On Saturday, Kyiv vehemently condemned a series of deadly Russian strikes that occurred as negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States gathered in Abu Dhabi for a second consecutive day of discussions aimed at formulating a plan to conclude the nearly four-year-long conflict. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiga, expressed his outrage, stating, “Peace efforts? Trilateral meeting in the UAE? Diplomacy? For Ukrainians, this was another night of Russian terror.”
Minister Sybiga continued to highlight the cynical timing of the attacks, pointing out that President Vladimir Putin ordered a massive missile strike against Ukraine while delegations were convening in Abu Dhabi to advance the America-led peace process. “His missiles hit not only our people but also the negotiation table,” he asserted, underscoring the dire situation faced by the Ukrainian populace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia had launched a staggering “over 370 attack drones and 21 missiles of various types” overnight, intensifying concerns over the fragile peace talks. This marked the first known direct communication between Ukrainian and Russian officials regarding the US-backed proposal, which commenced on Friday.
Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, stated that the discussions were primarily focused on “the parameters for ending Russia’s war and the further logic of the negotiation process.” However, the initial draft proposed by the US faced significant backlash in Kyiv and Western Europe for aligning too closely with Moscow’s position. Subsequent drafts have also drawn criticism, particularly from Russia, as they suggested the introduction of European peacekeepers into the region.
Both parties acknowledge that the fate of territory in the eastern Donbas region remains one of the most critical outstanding issues in the quest for a resolution to a war that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, displaced millions, and devastated large portions of Ukraine. As negotiations progress, the stakes continue to rise, with the humanitarian crisis deepening amid ongoing violence.
The juxtaposition of peace talks and military aggression illustrates the complexity of the situation, as Ukraine fervently seeks to reclaim its sovereignty while navigating the treacherous waters of international diplomacy. The outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching implications not only for Ukraine but for global stability as well.