Three-way talks between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi were "productive" and yielded progress, Axios reports, citing American officials.
Advisors to President Trump expressed optimism following Saturday's discussions. According to their assessment, the parties have found a path to narrowing differences on the critical issue of territorial control in eastern Ukraine. The diplomatic process unfolded against the backdrop of another massive Russian assault, with the enemy launching 370 strike drones and 21 missiles at Kyiv and other cities.
"We must ensure the full implementation of everything agreed upon with President Trump in Davos regarding air defense," President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized.
The publication notes that preparations for the meeting had been underway for several months. The foundation was laid by Trump’s meeting with Zelensky in Davos on Thursday and a four-hour conversation in Moscow between Trump’s envoys—Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—and Vladimir Putin.
"Both Putin and Zelensky agreed to send their negotiators. This shows they believe progress is possible," Axios quoted a U.S. official as saying.
The U.S. delegation included Trump advisors Witkoff, Kushner, and Josh Grunbaum, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, and U.S. European Command head Alexus Grynkewich. The Ukrainian side was represented by Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov, National Security Advisor Rustem Umerov, Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov, and advisors Sergiy Kyslytsya and David Arakhamia. The Russian delegation was led by military intelligence chief Admiral Igor Kostyukov.
Participants discussed Russian territorial claims in the Donbas, the situation surrounding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and steps toward de-escalation.
"Everything was on the table. Neither side was deterred from the discussions. We left no stone unturned. There was a great deal of respect in the room because they were truly looking for a solution," a source told the publication.
At the end of the second day, the teams held a joint lunch where, according to the source, participants "looked almost like friends."
Following a report from his team, Zelensky described the talks as "constructive," noting the focus was on "possible parameters for ending the war." He also thanked the U.S. for its readiness to monitor the process.
American officials view the Abu Dhabi meeting as a critical step. "We are very close to a meeting between Putin and Zelensky," a U.S. representative stated.
If the next round of negotiations, expected in Abu Dhabi on February 1, proves successful, it could pave the way for a summit between the leaders in Moscow or Kyiv.
