GEOPOLITICS: ABU DHABI TALKS
Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Abu Dhabi Talks Spark Hope Amid Stalemate
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The Abu Dhabi talks represent a rare trilateral effort involving Russia, Ukraine, and the US to broker peace in the nearly four-year war.
Hosted by the UAE, these negotiations mark the first direct high-level contacts since earlier failed attempts, focusing on territorial disputes and security guarantees.
Talks BackgroundTrilateral discussions began in Abu Dhabi on January 23, 2026, with US mediation under President Trump's envoys like Steve Witkoff.
A second round followed in early February, but no major breakthroughs emerged despite "constructive" atmospheres reported by both sides.
Russia sent military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov, while Ukraine was led by Security Council figures, signaling serious intent.
Key issues include Russia's demand for recognition of annexed eastern territories like Donbas and Ukraine's insistence on freezing lines without concessions.
US guarantees for postwar security are "100% ready" per Zelenskyy, yet unsigned amid ongoing Russian strikes on energy infrastructure.
Outcomes So FarDelegates agreed to a significant prisoner swap of 157 captives, the most notable result yet.
Talks concluded without resolution on core disputes, with further sessions eyed for late February or March 2026, possibly shifting to Geneva.
Kremlin aide Dmitry Peskov called contacts "positive" but noted "serious work ahead."
Ukrainians remain skeptical, with polls opposing land cessions, while Russia advances slowly on the battlefield.
Geopolitical StakesAbu Dhabi's neutral role elevates UAE as a mediator, backed by its ties to all parties.
Trump's administration pushes compromises, contrasting prior Biden-era stalemates, amid Europe's worst conflict since WWII.
Failure risks escalation; success could reshape multipolar dynamics, easing energy crises and refugee flows.
A Minsk-style ceasefire looms as the pragmatic ceiling, per analysts, freezing lines without full victory.
As February 26-27 nears for potential next rounds, global eyes watch if diplomacy outpaces drones.
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