"Russia's stance is for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from the entire Donbass region; this is a crucial condition", Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said today.

Moscow made these comments just ahead of three-way talks between officials from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today.

Both Russia and Ukraine believe that the fate of eastern Ukrainian territory is one of the main issues in efforts to end the conflict, which has lasted nearly 4 years.

"Donbass is a key issue", Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters today. He added that the talks could lead to an end to hostilities, viewing this as a "step forward", but also warned that things might not go as expected.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov in Moscow, Russia on 22/1. Photo: Reuters

The three-way talks took place one day after US President Donald Trump met his Ukrainian counterpart in Davos and US envoy Steve Witkoff met with President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin.

The Ukrainian delegation includes: new Chief of Staff of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Andrey Gnatov, and negotiator David Arakhamia.

The Russian delegation is led by Director of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) Igor Kostyukov. He stated that the entire Russian delegation consisted of military officials but did not provide specific names.

For the US side, envoy Steve Witkoff heads the delegation. Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, is also expected to participate in the talks.

Areas controlled by Russia and Ukraine on the battlefield. Graphics: ISW

The Russian military currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory, including about 90% of the Donbass region (comprising Donetsk and Lugansk). President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that Russia intends to gain full control of eastern Ukraine by force if negotiations fail.

Meanwhile, Kyiv stated it would not sign a peace agreement unless the risk of Russia launching a new attack on Ukraine could be prevented.

President Trump on 21/1 expressed confidence that Russia and Ukraine are close to reaching an agreement. "I believe they are at a point where they can come together and make a deal. And it would be foolish if they didn't", he said after his speech in Davos.

Thanh Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)