Ukraine, Russia, and the US Engage in Direct Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi Amidst Tense Territorial Disputes

Direct negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States have commenced in Abu Dhabi, focusing on a US-facilitated plan aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. Central to these discussions is the contentious issue of territorial control, particularly over the Donbass region. Russia has reiterated its demand that Ukraine's military withdraw from the entire Donbass area, including territories not currently under Russian control. President Volodymyr Selenskyj of Ukraine has emphasized that the fate of Donbass will be a key point in the talks, firmly rejecting any territorial concessions for areas not occupied by Russian forces. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has underscored Russia’s stance, specifying President Vladimir Putin’s demand for the surrender of the remaining 20% of the Donetsk region, an area spanning approximately 5,000 square kilometers.

Behind the scenes, discussions revolve around the 'Anchorage formula,' a territorial solution endorsed by Putin and former US President Donald Trump in August, which proposes Russian control over the entire Donbass with frozen front lines in southern and eastern Ukraine. Selenskyj disclosed that a US security guarantees agreement has been finalized and awaits signing with Trump. Amid the negotiations, the US reportedly pressures Kyiv to accept a peace deal, while civilian conditions worsen in Ukrainian cities due to Russian attacks disrupting utilities in freezing temperatures.

Concurrently, the Pentagon has unveiled a significant shift in US military strategy that prioritizes internal security and deterrence against China, with a reduced emphasis on extensive support for European allies. This new strategy calls on European NATO members to assume primary responsibility for their own defense, providing them only "critical but limited" support. Russia is described as a "manageable" threat, and the strategy reinforces expectations for European allies to increase their defense spending. These strategic changes underscore the evolving geopolitical environment amid efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict and reshape US defense commitments globally.

As negotiations continue, the balance between diplomatic solutions and military support remains delicate, with Ukraine steadfast on safeguarding its territorial integrity and the US recalibrating its international defense posture. The outcome of these talks could mark a pivotal moment in ending the conflict that has significantly impacted the region's security and European geopolitics.