Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi Show Progress Amidst Deep Divisions

• Trilateral talks involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi (Jan 23-24, 2026) aimed for a diplomatic solution to the nearly four-year conflict.
• Discussions focused on ending the war, Donbas region's future, and security guarantees, with participants describing them as "constructive" and "positive."
• Despite progress, territorial control, especially in eastern Ukraine (Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia), remains a major sticking point, with Russia demanding full control and Ukraine rejecting any concessions on sovereignty.
• Military actions continued during the talks, with a large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv and Kharkiv, which Ukraine called a "strike against the negotiation table."
• The US is pressuring both sides for a deal, reducing aid to Ukraine and imposing tariffs on countries buying Russian energy, while the UAE solidified its role as a "trusted mediator."

Why It Matters: Abu Dhabi talks show diplomatic momentum but deep deadlock persists on territorial issues and security guarantees.