As negotiations continue, President Vladimir Putin‘s demands for territorial concessions in Ukraine remain a central issue. Recent talks in Moscow involved Putin and key envoys from Trump, including Witkoff and Kushner. These discussions lasted until after 3 a.m. and were described as frank and constructive by Kremlin adviser Ushakov.
The talks focused on settling the conflict in Ukraine, influenced by a previous meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
Putin’s main demands include that Kyiv withdraw its troops from areas in eastern Ukraine that Russia has not fully captured. This includes the entire Donetsk and Luhansk regions. He also proposed freezing the line of contact in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson areas. According to Ushakov, a resolution must follow an “Anchorage formula” to guarantee lasting peace. This territorial issue has been a significant sticking point for the last six to seven months. Additionally, Russia’s ongoing military operations are linked to these territorial claims, underscoring the urgency of reaching an agreement.
Putin demands Kyiv withdraw troops from Donetsk and Luhansk and freeze contact lines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson for lasting peace.
On the Ukrainian side, President Zelenskyy is open to a free trade zone in the east, as long as it remains under Ukrainian control. He discussed this idea with Trump during their meeting in Davos. Zelenskyy emphasizes that all parties, including Russia, must be willing to compromise. Recently, Ukraine presented a 19-point counter-offer to Russia’s 28-point plan, indicating flexibility in negotiations. Negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the US are set to meet in Abu Dhabi to further explore potential agreements regarding the conflict.
Upcoming talks in Abu Dhabi will include trilateral meetings involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, focusing on the future of the Donbas region. The Russian delegation will be led by military intelligence chief Kostyukov. After the talks, Zelenskyy plans to inform European partners about the discussions.
Historically, Russia has captured about 20% of Ukraine since the conflict began in 2014, with a full-scale invasion starting in 2022. Putin has also made amendments to the Russian Constitution, banning the relinquishment of annexed territories.
With sanctions affecting Russia and ongoing military objectives, the negotiations remain complex and challenging.
