Ukraine peace talks are indicative of an advancement in peace in the Ukraine War. As per the reports multiple sources including the BBC and CNN, talks held in Abu Dhabi among Russia, the US and Ukraine, the first three-way peace talks, are termed as “productive.” Though it is difficult to precisely say what sorts of advancements were made — as the content of talks rather remained unrevealed — in the talks, this is a praiseworthy advancement since the beginning of the US-brokered peace initiatives in 2025. The direct trilateral talks came after the relentless efforts of the US and several diplomatic talks in Florida, Paris and Davos. Without direct talks between the warring parties, it is difficult to find and reach acceptable peace terms.
The Abu Dhabi Peace Talks on Ukraine, which took place after Russia’s rejection of the US, Europe and Ukraine’s 20-point peace plan, are positive on several grounds. The latest talks have focused on possible parameters for ending the four-year-long war, a wide variety of military and economic matters and the possibility of a ceasefire before a deal. Moreover, the delegations will report back to their respective governments to coordinate the next steps for peace and both Ukraine and Russia agreed to continue peace talks. Consequently, there remains a scope of reaching a peace agreement and addressing core disputes including the land situated in the eastern part of Ukraine such as the Donbas region and post-war Ukraine’s security concerns, though the parties have so far failed to address such disputes.
Kyiv, Ukraine (credit: https://pixabay.com/).
But there is probably no remarkable progress on the trilateral talks. Even if there is an indication of significant progress by the parties and the Ukrainian president says that they are 90 percent of the way to producing a framework deal, the ground does not indicate so. There remain challenges including sticking to respective positions on several core matters. While Russia repeatedly says that the unconditional territorial concession of Ukraine is the requirement of peace, Zelenskyy reiterates that Ukraine will not accept territorial concessions demanded by Moscow. Moreover, the parties still differ on the post-war security guarantee. Consequently, the latest talks are — rather —talks at a different format, not a genuine optimism.
Unless the core disputes are addressed and mitigated, it may be difficult to come to an acceptable solution. For this, the warring parties need to make some compromises with an aim to end the years-long war. To reach a peace deal on the Ukraine War, it is vital for Ukraine to understand that NATO presence in Ukraine, as indicated in the US-brokered peace proposal, is difficult for Russia to accept, though this can effectively ensure a security guarantee. Pertinently saying, Ukraine’s NATO aspiration was one of the vital reasons for the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, even if other reasons including Russia’s aggressive policies played a role.
But it is vital for Russia to realize that without a robust post-war security guarantee for Ukraine, there is no guarantee of lasting peace. Russia occupied Crimea in 2014 and later invaded the mainland of Ukraine in 2022. Given that Russia, which termed the war as a crusade to reverse Russia’s post-Soviet retreat, often expresses its desires to liberate “historical lands” and says its aims in Ukraine will be met “unconditionally”, the chance of future Russian attacks against the currently independent state may not be surprising — at all. Moreover, Russia needs to realize that strictly sticking to its position of territorial gains may not lead to any peace deal.
The ongoing peace efforts must not be discouraged. These have brought the parties to the discussion tables and helped develop a peace plan, despite its rejection. But a peace deal depends on compromises by the warring parties on core disputes to the extent that it reflects a delicate balance, prevents future Russian invasions and avoids significant threats to Russia. Future talks are vital to reach a delicate balance. Otherwise, a peace deal will remain elusive.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
