New trilateral talks on Ukraine war in Abu Dhabi: What to expect?

Ukrainian and Russian representatives last met in February for talks on ending the war, but the same sticking points remain. Ukraine continues to demand security guarantees, which is a non-starter for Russia.

When announcing the new trilateral talks last week, US special envoy Steve Witkoff said the discussions would focus on "post-war security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian efforts, and next steps toward peace." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has named security guarantees, an energy ceasefire, unblocking the Black Sea, extended prisoner exchanges, and preparations for a meeting of the leaders of Ukraine, the United States and Russia as his key topics. "I don't think there will be a breakthrough, after there was such a long break in the negotiation process," he said.

"Simply the fact that trilateral talks are being resumed can be counted as a success." Witkoff will be joined by US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, real estate developer Jared Kushner, who serves as special envoy.