US, Russia, Ukraine meet directly for the first time to discuss peace plan

US, Russian, and Ukrainian negotiators meet directly in a trilateral format for the first time to discuss a peace plan championed by President Trump.

The meeting involving delegations from the three nations commenced at the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi on the evening of 23/1 and is scheduled to last two days, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The White House characterized the meeting as "constructive," with discussions slated to continue on 24/1. This marks the first direct trilateral encounter between the three delegations to address a peace plan aimed at ending the nearly four-year-long war.

The trilateral negotiations occurred one day after President Trump met with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Switzerland, and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. Zelensky noted late on 23/1 that it was "too early" to speculate on the nature of the meetings.

"The meeting focused on discussing the conditions for ending the conflict, as well as the next steps in the negotiation process towards a sustainable and dignified peace," wrote Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's chief negotiator, on social media.

Russia's TASS news agency cited sources indicating that issues discussed in Abu Dhabi included "buffer zones and monitoring mechanisms." Ukraine's European allies are reportedly advocating for an "energy sector ceasefire."

UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan (center) converses with representatives of the US, Russian, and Ukrainian delegations in Abu Dhabi on 23/1. *Photo: AFP*

Washington introduced a plan in late 11/2025 to end the conflict, urging Moscow and Kyiv to accept it. The initial proposal, consisting of 28 points, called for Ukraine to cede some territory, accept limits on its military size, and cease pursuing NATO membership.

Ukraine and European nations opposed the proposal, believing it favored Russia. Following multiple rounds of negotiations, President Zelensky announced on 23/12/2025 that the latest 20-point draft peace plan had been agreed upon by the Ukrainian and US delegations.

Both Russia and Ukraine agree that the fate of the Donbass region, comprising Donetsk and Lugansk provinces, remains a central unresolved issue in efforts to end the conflict. Russia seeks full control of Donbass, while Ukraine proposes freezing the current front lines.

Umerov stated that the US delegation included Steve Witkoff, US Special Envoy for the Middle East; Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump; Josh Gruenbaum, Senior Advisor to the Peace Council; Dan Driscoll, Secretary of the Army; and Alexus Grynkewich, Commander of US forces in Europe. Russia had previously announced its delegation comprised military officials, led by Igor Kostyukov, Director of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU).