Trilateral Peace Talks Conclude Without Breakthrough Amid Heavy Russian Strikes
(ABU DHABI) – Two days of trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, Russia and the United States ended on Saturday without a diplomatic breakthrough. The discussions, held in the United Arab Emirates, coincided with a significant escalation in Russian aerial aggression against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.
While US envoy Steve Witkoff described the sessions as constructive, the Russian dictator, Vladimir Putin, oversaw the launch of approximately 370 drones and 21 missiles during the summit. These strikes targeted Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv and Chernihiv. Ukrainian air defences intercepted one Kh-59 guided missile and 357 drones, but several ballistic and cruise missiles struck their targets. In Kyiv, approximately 1,330 residential buildings, 15% of the city’s housing, remain without heating in sub-zero temperatures.
Diplomatic sources indicate that the Kremlin remains inflexible. Putin reportedly informed US negotiators that territorial concessions are non-negotiable, citing a “formula” allegedly discussed during previous meetings in Alaska. Ukrainian officials have dismissed these claims as fabrications. Furthermore, the Russian dictator has demanded an “energy ceasefire” contingent on Ukraine halting strikes against Russian oil refineries and the “shadow fleet” of tankers, while simultaneously insisting on new Ukrainian elections to challenge the legitimacy of the current administration.
In a separate development, President Zelenskyy announced in Lithuania that a document outlining US security guarantees for Ukraine is now complete and awaiting formal ratification. Additionally, the European Union has legally formalised a ban on Russian gas imports, set to be fully implemented by late 2027.
