President Trump’s peace initiative scored a historic breakthrough as U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian delegations completed the first trilateral negotiations since the 2022 invasion. This marks a dramatic shift from the previous administration’s approach and led to all parties agreeing to continue discussions next week. Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner brokered the diplomatic breakthrough, with discussions covering war-ending parameters, territorial disputes in Donbas and Zaporizhzhia, and security guarantees. The talks underscore the urgency of a peace settlement, even as Russia continues aggression during the negotiations.
Story Highlights
- First direct three-way talks since Russia’s 2022 invasion concluded in Abu Dhabi with all parties agreeing to continue negotiations next week.
- Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner brokered the diplomatic breakthrough after intensive shuttle diplomacy between Davos, Moscow, and Abu Dhabi.
- Discussions covered war-ending parameters, territorial disputes in Donbas and Zaporizhzhia, security guarantees, and de-escalation measures.
- Russia launched 370 drones and 21 missiles against Ukrainian infrastructure during the talks, underscoring the urgency of Trump’s peace efforts.
Trump Administration Delivers Diplomatic Victory
The United States, Ukraine, and Russia concluded two days of unprecedented trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi on January 24, 2026, with all parties committing to resume discussions next week. Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner facilitated the historic meeting after conducting preparatory discussions with President Zelenskyy in Davos and President Putin in Moscow. U.S. officials described the talks as “productive,” while Zelenskyy called them “fruitful” and emphasized the essential role of American mediation. The negotiations mark the first direct three-way format since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, representing a stark departure from the previous administration’s failed strategy.
Russian, Ukrainian and US negotiators have been taking part in the first trilateral talks since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.https://t.co/gKLe0z898h pic.twitter.com/u2vdolqW6S
— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 24, 2026
Critical Issues on the Negotiating Table
Delegations tackled core war-ending parameters including territorial control of Donbas and Zaporizhzhia regions, security assurances for Ukraine, and de-escalation measures to halt the devastating attacks on civilian infrastructure. The talks included joint plenary sessions as well as separate Russian-Ukrainian working groups, with military representatives from all sides ensuring operational perspectives informed the discussions. U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and EUCOM Commander General Alexus Grynkewich represented American military interests, while Russia sent GRU Chief Admiral Igor Kostyukov. American officials indicated progress on what they described as “one key issue,” suggesting negotiations may pave the way for a direct meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy if momentum continues.
Russia Continues Aggression During Peace Talks
Even as diplomats worked toward de-escalation in Abu Dhabi, Russia launched a massive overnight assault on January 23-24 involving 370 drones and 21 missiles targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The strikes caused widespread power outages in Kyiv and other cities, demonstrating Putin’s continued reliance on terror tactics against civilians while engaging in diplomatic discussions. This contradiction highlights why Ukraine insists on concrete security guarantees and advanced air defense systems as prerequisites for any settlement. Ukrainian officials remain cautious about Putin’s true intentions, with one negotiator stating it’s “too early to judge” whether Russia genuinely seeks peace or merely uses talks as cover for continued aggression and maximalist territorial demands.
Building on Trump’s Alaska Framework
The Abu Dhabi talks build directly on President Trump’s summer 2025 summit with Putin in Anchorage, where the two leaders outlined a preliminary “territorial formula” for resolving Donbas disputes. Russian officials confirmed Moscow expects negotiations to proceed according to that Anchorage framework, which balances regional security concerns with realistic territorial arrangements. This represents the kind of hardheaded dealmaking American voters elected Trump to deliver, contrasting sharply with the Biden administration’s ineffective policy of unlimited weapons shipments without diplomatic strategy. The UAE provided neutral ground for these sensitive discussions, continuing its constructive role in international conflict resolution. Witkoff posted on social media that talks were “very constructive” and confirmed the next round would occur within days.
Path Forward Requires Continued Pressure
The second round of talks scheduled for approximately February 1 in Abu Dhabi will test whether this diplomatic opening can translate into concrete progress toward ending a conflict that has cost hundreds of thousands of lives and destabilized global energy markets. American negotiators hold significant leverage through Trump’s relationships with both Putin and Zelenskyy, built through direct engagement rather than the proxy-war approach that defined the previous administration. Success requires balancing Ukraine’s legitimate security needs with pragmatic recognition of battlefield realities and regional power dynamics. The talks demonstrate Trump’s commitment to delivering the peace he promised voters, prioritizing American interests and global stability over the globalist agenda that prolonged this catastrophic conflict. Ukrainian citizens suffering under continued Russian bombardment deserve negotiations conducted in good faith, backed by American strength and clear-eyed diplomacy.
Watch the report: More talks expected next week after Ukraine, Russia and US conclude Abu Dhabi meeting
Sources:
- Abu Dhabi Talks Conclude With Plans for Next Round as Zelensky Calls Meeting ‘Constructive’
- First ever three-way Ukraine peace talks underway in Abu Dhabi
- Russia, Ukraine and US hold trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi
- Two days of peace talks end as Russia continues Ukraine attacks
