Representatives of Russia and Ukraine began peace talks in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, mediated by the United States, following months of efforts by Washington to bring the war to an end. The discussions come after US President Donald Trump indicated last week that an end to the conflict could be within reach.
Jared Kushner, the US President’s special envoy, said at the opening of the meeting that Washington’s recent engagements with both sides had helped narrow their differences. He added that the United States had proposals to address the remaining issues. Kushner said Trump was committed to securing peace and had instructed the US delegation to find a solution that would bring the war to an end and pave the way for a more stable future for both countries.
Before the main talks began, the Ukrainian delegation held separate meetings with representatives of European countries, NATO and the European Union, as well as Kushner and Steve Witkoff, the two US envoys.
Rustem Umerov, head of the Ukrainian delegation, said in his opening remarks that Kyiv’s priorities were securing security guarantees and achieving lasting peace.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stressed that Moscow wants discussions on establishing a broader European security framework before addressing the details of the war in Ukraine. Speaking to journalists in Moscow, Lavrov said clear principles for the future security architecture must first be established before moving on to the main issues surrounding the war between Russia and Ukraine.
As the negotiations got underway, several European officials called for their countries to play a more active role in the peace process. France stressed that lasting peace in Ukraine would be impossible without addressing Europe’s security concerns and that European countries must also have a role in the negotiations.
Russia, however, has said it sees no basis for European participation in the current meeting, which involves representatives from the United States and Ukraine.
Writer:Roya Stanikzai
