Ukraine and Russia begin talks in Abu Dhabi | EUROtoday

As of: January 23, 2026 8:01 p.m

There had been no direct contact since June – now representatives of Ukraine and Russia have sat down on the desk once more for the primary time. Apparently the talks are over for as we speak. It ought to proceed tomorrow.

For the primary time, Kyiv and Moscow negotiated instantly with one another once more. With US mediation, they met in Abu Dhabi within the United Arab Emirates to debate the US plan to finish the battle towards Ukraine. According to an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the talks have ended for as we speak, Reuters information company reviews. Tomorrow they may proceed – as agreed.

The negotiations are primarily about territory – extra exactly concerning the Donbass – and concerning the query of who will management this jap Ukrainian industrial area after the battle ends. Russia has already conquered a big a part of it militarily. The relaxation is of nice significance for Ukraine.

Russia desires Donbass

Moscow is demanding that Ukraine withdraw from the a part of Donbass nonetheless managed by Kiev – and is making this a prerequisite for peace talks. Kyiv rejects a voluntary withdrawal. “The issue of Donbass is a key issue,” emphasised President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier than the beginning of the negotiations.

The Donetsk area in Donbass is strategically vital for the Ukrainian military with the intention to cease the Russian advance. The Trump management proposed demilitarizing the area and establishing a free commerce zone there. However, Donbass is essentially destroyed after heavy preventing – and either side are demanding management.

Fourth winter within the battle

Meanwhile, thousands and thousands of individuals in Ukraine haven’t any electrical energy. In the capital Kiev, 4,000 buildings stay with out heating – after the Russian navy attacked the nation’s vitality infrastructure once more on Tuesday night time. In Kyiv the temperatures are at the moment round minus twelve levels. Many folks have been residing there for weeks in chilly residences and with just a few hours of electrical energy a day.

The EU introduced that it could ship 447 extra emergency turbines to Ukraine. Russia’s actions are “deliberately” depriving civilians of heat, gentle and fundamental provides in the midst of a harsh winter, complained the EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib.

https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/abudhabi-gespraeche-ukraine-russland-100.html