Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the United Arab Emirates will host the first-ever trilateral talks between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine starting Friday. The two-day meeting follows Zelenskyy’s Davos address and his meeting with US President Donald Trump. Kyiv seeks US-backed security guarantees while urging Moscow to compromise.
In a significant diplomatic development, the United Arab Emirates will host the inaugural trilateral talks involving Russia, the United States, and Ukraine beginning Friday, January 23. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made the announcement after addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, describing the meeting as a crucial step toward ending the ongoing war.
Key Highlights
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The talks will span two days, marking the first time officials from all three nations gather in a trilateral format in the UAE.
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Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia must be prepared to make compromises if progress is to be achieved. He noted that dialogue, even at a technical level, is better than no dialogue at all.
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The announcement came shortly after Zelenskyy’s bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump in Davos, which he described as productive and substantive. Both leaders reviewed ongoing work by their teams to advance peace efforts.
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While the format of the talks remains unclear, Zelenskyy did not confirm whether Ukrainian and Russian officials will engage directly.
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Kyiv is pushing for US-backed security guarantees and a near-ready war-ending document with Washington, signaling Ukraine’s intent to solidify its defense framework while negotiating with Moscow.
Context And Significance:
The trilateral meeting comes amid heightened global attention on the Ukraine conflict, now in its fourth year. The UAE’s role as host underscores its growing diplomatic presence in international conflict resolution. For Ukraine, the talks represent a chance to secure stronger US support while testing Russia’s willingness to compromise. For Washington, the meeting offers an opportunity to reinforce its influence in shaping the post-war security architecture.
As the world watches, the UAE-hosted trilateral talks could mark a turning point in the search for peace. Whether the discussions yield tangible progress will depend on Moscow’s readiness to negotiate and Washington’s commitment to backing Kyiv’s security needs.
Sources: AFP, Hindustan Times, Times Now