Statements issued after the two-day trilateral talks between the US, Russia, and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi concluded on 24/1 indicated no agreement was reached, despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stating the meeting was "constructive".

"The focus of the discussion was on possible elements to end hostilities," Zelensky wrote on social media platform X.

The Ukrainian president noted that the US side raised "potential forms to formalize the elements for ending the conflict, as well as the necessary conditions to achieve that".

An unnamed US official said the proposed security guarantee mechanisms were deemed "very robust".

The trilateral talks between the US, Russia, and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi, UAE on 24/1. *Reuters*

"Ukrainians and national security advisors of all European countries reviewed these mechanisms. All parties, including NATO and Secretary General Mark Rutte, expressed that they had not seen such robust security mechanisms," the official said, without providing further details.

The official added that another discussion is expected on 1/2 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The official also expressed hope that dialogue would continue thereafter, potentially in Moscow or Kyiv.

"The parties showed great respect for each other in the meeting room because they genuinely wanted to find a solution," the source stated, adding that they engaged in very detailed exchanges.

The UAE reported that the meeting took place in a "positive and constructive atmosphere", during which negotiators discussed confidence-building measures and outstanding issues within the framework of the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump.

Areas controlled by Russia and Ukraine on the battlefield. *ISW*

The peace talks in Abu Dhabi marked the first direct dialogue between the US, Russia, and Ukraine since the conflict erupted between Moscow and Kyiv in early 2022. Before the meeting, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized on 23/1 that Russia remains firm in its demand for Ukraine to withdraw from areas it still controls in the Donbass region to end the conflict.

Moscow stated it seeks a diplomatic solution, but will continue to pursue its stated objectives through military means as long as negotiations remain deadlocked.

President Zelensky has rejected the possibility of ceding territories currently controlled by Ukraine to Russia. Poll results also indicate minimal public support among Ukrainians for relinquishing territory.

Pham Giang (According to Reuters, AP)