Negotiations point to potential end for Ukraine conflict, Trump says

Mr. Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the White House, shortly before US-led discussions are set to begin in Abu Dhabi. He mentioned ongoing conversations regarding the matter in Abu Dhabi.

Since assuming office in January 2025, Mr. Trump has pledged to bring an end to the war, which commenced with Russia’s full-scale invasion in early 2022. This goal has proven difficult to achieve.

According to a US official, both sides are demonstrating a willingness to consider territorial exchanges in private discussions preceding the Abu Dhabi talks.

The official, speaking before the talks scheduled to begin tomorrow, confirmed that security assurances for Ukraine, potentially including a defense similar to NATO’s Article 5, will be a key focus of the discussions.

While Ukraine seeks a return to the pre-invasion border and Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to secure the Donbas region, the US official noted a private inclination towards compromise.

Any territorial agreements would likely be finalized after other issues, such as a postwar security framework, are resolved, the official added.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, attributes Ukraine’s strengthened negotiating position to battlefield successes and substantial Russian losses.

These talks represent the first attempt since February to move closer to ending the war, which has persisted for over four and a half years.

US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are slated to lead the US mediation efforts during the two-day talks in Abu Dhabi. A potential visit by the envoys to Russia to meet with Mr. Putin is under consideration.

Despite acknowledging the lengthy nature of the negotiations, a US official expressed cautious optimism regarding the potential for progress.

Recent disagreements have arisen between Mr. Zelensky and Mr. Trump concerning US decisions to purchase Russian diesel, suspend certain sanctions, and requests for Ukraine to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries. Mr. Trump has also publicly suggested replacing Mr. Zelensky.

The frontline of the conflict, spanning approximately 1,200 kilometers, has remained largely unchanged for several months, with Russian forces currently controlling roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory.