In a significant development, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a marathon late-night meeting with envoys of former US President Donald Trump, just hours before the first trilateral peace talks over the Ukraine conflict are set to take place in the United Arab Emirates.
The talks in Moscow, which began shortly before midnight and lasted nearly four hours, were described as “frank” and “constructive” by the Kremlin. The timing of the meeting underscores the urgency to make progress ahead of the crucial negotiations in Abu Dhabi on Friday, involving representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.
During the discussions, Putin conveyed to Trump’s envoys, including his son-in-law Jared Kushner, that a long-term settlement to the conflict cannot be expected without resolving the territorial dispute – a reference to Moscow’s demand that Kyiv withdraw its troops from areas illegally annexed by Russia.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that Putin reiterated Russia’s “sincere interest” in a diplomatic solution, but stressed that the country will continue to pursue the objectives of its “special military operation” until the territorial issue is addressed according to the formula agreed upon during last year’s Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage, Alaska.
Ahead of the upcoming talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a scathing critique of European allies, accusing them of being all talk and no action in response to Russia’s invasion nearly four years ago. Zelenskyy likened the situation to the movie “Groundhog Day,” where the same events repeat endlessly.
Despite the lingering challenges, the Trump administration is pushing for a peace settlement, with its envoys shuttling between Kyiv and Moscow. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, acknowledged that one major issue remains unresolved in the negotiations, though he did not specify what it was.
Zelenskyy said the future status of Ukrainian land currently occupied by Russia is still unresolved, but that peace proposals are “nearly ready.” He also revealed that the trilateral talks in the UAE are scheduled to last two days and involve officials at the “technical level,” urging Russia to be ready for compromises.
As the world watches closely, the stage is set for a crucial round of diplomacy that could potentially pave the way for a resolution to the long-running conflict in Ukraine.