Russia demands territorial concessions ahead of UAE peace negotiations
The United States, Ukraine, and Russia are scheduled to hold high-level security talks in Abu Dhabi this Friday, January 23. The negotiations aim to explore a potential peace framework to end the ongoing conflict.
The Kremlin warned that a lasting solution remains impossible without resolving fundamental territorial disputes. This statement followed a four-hour nocturnal meeting in Moscow between President Vladimir Putin and three American envoys.
The diplomatic delegation
The Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi will be led by Admiral Igor Kostyukov, head of military intelligence (GRU). Parallel economic discussions will occur between Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev and Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy.
Russian presidential aide Iury Ushakov described the preliminary Moscow talks as "substantial and constructive." However, he noted that no major breakthrough was achieved during the late-night session.
The territorial deadlock
Moscow remains firm on the "Anchorage formula," a reference to last year’s Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. Russia insists that Ukraine must cede occupied territories in the Donetsk region as a prerequisite for any long-term agreement.
While expressing interest in a diplomatic resolution, the Kremlin confirmed that military operations will continue. Ushakov stated that the Russian military currently maintains "strategic momentum" across the front lines.
A humanitarian crisis
The diplomatic push coincides with Ukraine’s harshest winter since the invasion began. Systematic Russian strikes on energy infrastructure have left hundreds of thousands in Kyiv and other major cities without heat or electricity.
Kyiv views these attacks as evidence of Moscow’s lack of genuine interest in peace. Ukrainian officials argue that the Kremlin is using the negotiations as a tactical distraction while intensifying civilian suffering.
U.S. and Ukrainian positions
The American delegation in Moscow included Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Josh Gruenbaum, a newly appointed advisor to the Trump administration's Peace Council. President Trump recently stated that both leaders would be "foolish" not to reach a deal.
Following a meeting with Donald Trump in Switzerland on Thursday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that security guarantee terms have been finalized. However, the critical issue of territorial integrity remains the primary obstacle to a ceasefire.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
