International analysts suggest that Trump's plan could include the creation of a demilitarized zone supervised by European (not American) troops and a 20-year postponement of Ukraine's entry into NATO in exchange for massive rearmament. Despite initial optimism, the front line in the Donbas remains active, giving these talks the character of a 'race against time'. In a diplomatic move that marks a before and after in the Eastern European conflict, representatives from the United States, Russia, and Ukraine concluded their first in-person trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi on Saturday since February 2022. The meeting, coordinated by Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, opens a window for direct negotiation that had remained closed for nearly four years of hostilities. On social media X, Witkoff highlighted the hospitality of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the positive nature of the deliberations. 'Plans have been made to continue the dialogues next week in this same venue,' stated the official, emphasizing Washington's renewed role as an active mediator under Trump's premise to end the conflict 'in 24 hours'. The choice of Abu Dhabi as the venue is no coincidence: the UAE has maintained a position of active neutrality, previously facilitating prisoner exchanges. Participants: While the official list of participants was not disclosed, it was reported that a high-level delegation authorized by Volodymyr Zelensky represented Ukraine, while the Russian side was represented by officials from the Foreign Ministry and the Kremlin, under a total information blackout from TASS until confirmed by Witkoff. Tone of the meeting: Zelensky described the talks as 'constructive,' a notable shift from his previous refusal to negotiate while Russian troops occupy Ukrainian territory. Russia, for its part, maintains official silence, although the meeting itself suggests a softening in its stance on 'non-negotiable objectives'. Key agenda items in Abu Dhabi The speed at which this meeting was organized reflects the urgency of the White House to show tangible results in foreign policy. Next week, the international community will have its eyes once again on the Persian Gulf to see if the 'constructive climate' translates into a first draft of a ceasefire.
