Trump's people are already in Moscow. "We see some opportunities"
Trilateral talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine in the UAE have resulted in the largest exchange of prisoners, but key territorial disputes remain unresolved.
Quick Look
- The trilateral talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi did not result in a territorial breakthrough, but they did result in the largest exchange of prisoners of war.
- Jared Kushner announced a visit to Moscow, and Ukraine demands an end to the war.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The two-day talks in Abu Dhabi were the first trilateral negotiations between the US, Russia and Ukraine since February.
No breakthrough in Abu Dhabi
The two-day talks in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, were the first trilateral negotiations between the US, Russia and Ukraine since February this year. Although they did not bring a significant breakthrough, the parties agreed on the largest exchange of prisoners of war to date. Jared Kushner, who is also President Trump's son-in-law and one of his main advisors, emphasized that the agreement on this matter "will help unite families, build trust and create an impetus for further peace talks."
"Steve and I are flying to Moscow to discuss with President Putin what was agreed in Abu Dhabi and to try to take another step forward," Kushner said during a news conference in the UAE. We see some opportunities and possibilities that are worth taking advantage of, he added.
Key points of contention
Despite progress on humanitarian issues, major discrepancies remain. The parties still cannot reach an agreement on the future of the Russian-occupied territories in the east and south of Ukraine, security guarantees for Kiev and Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO. Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky admitted that "mutual understanding has been achieved on some issues, but not on others," and talks would continue.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who went to Dublin after the talks in Abu Dhabi, emphasized that "the first step must be to end the war and ensure Ukraine's security." Zelensky also announced a meeting with American envoys in the capital of Ireland.
Europe wants to be at the table
Representatives of European countries were also present in Abu Dhabi and demand greater participation in the peace process. In recent weeks, President Trump has suggested the possibility of a new security agreement for Ukraine in which "all of Europe" would play a key role. European diplomats emphasize that without their participation, it will not be possible to reach a lasting solution.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized the European presence in Abu Dhabi, describing it as "unpromising". However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured during the G7 meeting in Paris that the United States seeks to expand the format of talks and direct European participation.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Meeting with President Putin in Moscow
Very likely · Within days
Zelensky's meeting with American envoys in Dublin
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- When will the announced exchange of prisoners take place?
- What exactly will be the further arrangements from Moscow?
