At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, focusing on a key issue that could lead to a resolution. The main sticking point remains Russia’s ambition to acquire more Ukrainian territory.
Following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, the U.S. delegation traveled to Abu Dhabi for trilateral talks involving Ukraine and Russia. Despite renewed momentum, there is a lack of compromise as Russia insists on Kyiv surrendering approximately 5,000 square kilometers of the Donetsk region.
Russia’s demand stems from its unsuccessful attempts to capture the area during the prolonged invasion that started in February 2022. The proposed transfer of territory in the Donetsk region, including cities like Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, has been a contentious issue.
Russian officials have emphasized other non-negotiable aspects beyond territorial matters. Moscow opposes the continued arming of Ukraine by Western nations and rejects any support for what it labels the “Nazi regime” in power. These assertions reflect Russia’s broader goal of influencing Ukraine’s political direction.
In an attempt to find common ground, the U.S. has proposed the creation of a free economic zone in the parts of Donetsk controlled by Ukraine. This initiative aims to de-escalate tensions in the industrial and coal-mining region of Donbas, encompassing Donetsk and Luhansk.
Recent military actions, including Russia’s claim of seizing the village of Symynivka in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, have added to the escalating conflict. Casualty figures on both sides continue to rise, with estimates indicating significant losses, particularly on the Russian side.
Despite differing perspectives on the negotiation progress, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy views the trilateral discussions as a positive step forward. He anticipates signing security-related agreements with Washington to safeguard Ukraine’s interests, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue to achieve lasting peace.