Ukraine, Russia, and US Abu Dhabi Peace Process: Trilateral Talks Promise Permanent Solution

The international community focuses attention on Abu Dhabi as Russia, Ukraine, and the United States confirm participation in high-stakes peace negotiations on February 4-5. This peace process promises to pursue a permanent solution rather than temporary measures.
President Zelensky announced the confirmed meeting dates, expressing Ukraine’s commitment to serious engagement aimed at producing concrete results toward permanent solution. His statement stressed Ukraine’s interest in discussions that could genuinely advance prospects for ending the war with dignity through solutions designed to last.
The upcoming talks build on recent progress, including a temporary truce orchestrated through President Trump’s intervention. Trump’s direct communication with Putin resulted in an agreement to pause military operations, with the Kremlin indicating this cessation should last until February 1 to create favorable conditions for pursuing permanent solution. This development comes as Ukraine endures extreme winter weather with temperatures forecast to reach -20 degrees Celsius.
A key indicator of both parties’ commitment to pursuing permanent solution has been their compliance with the temporary ceasefire on energy infrastructure. Zelensky confirmed that throughout Ukraine, no attacks on energy facilities occurred during the designated period, marking significant improvement in civilian conditions. Ukraine has committed to maintaining restraint provided Russia continues compliance, demonstrating both sides may be ready to discuss permanent solutions rather than temporary fixes.
However, substantial challenges await negotiators seeking permanent solution. The territorial question remains the most significant obstacle, with Russia demanding control over the Donbas region while Ukraine refuses any concessions of sovereign territory. Russia’s current occupation of Crimea since 2014 and partial control of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson since 2022 represents the core dispute that must be resolved for any permanent solution to emerge from the Abu Dhabi peace process.