Ukraine-Russia-US Talks Begin in UAE: A Diplomatic Shift After Years of War

• First-ever trilateral technical-level meeting between Ukraine, Russia, and the US is underway in the UAE on January 23-24.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the talks, following a positive meeting with US President Donald Trump in Davos.
• The talks will follow a staggered format: Ukrainian officials meet US representatives, then the American team meets Russian officials, with the US acting as intermediary.
• Ukraine seeks to test Russia's readiness for compromises and secure stronger security guarantees, expressing concerns about long-term US military backing for Europe.
• Russia, under battlefield pressure and sanctions, is expected to push for recognition of territorial gains, limits on Ukraine's NATO aspirations, and sanctions relief.

Why It Matters: First-ever Ukraine-Russia-US talks in UAE signal a diplomatic shift, with the US mediating a staggered dialogue.