What are the possible benefits and challenges of peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S.?

Geopolitics
Global
Started January 25, 2026

The Trilateral talks between U.S., Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi were "positive" and "constructive," Ukrainian officials told Axios. Why it matters: The talks were a new phase in the U.S. mediation efforts aimed at ending the war. President Trump's advisers want to try and narrow the gaps on the key sticking point — the territorial control in eastern Ukraine. Driving the news: The talks took place as Russia launched another massive missile and drone attack against Kyiv and other cities overnight. Ukrainian President Zelensky said 370 attack drones and 21 missiles of various types were fired by the Russian military. "We must ensure full implementation of everything agreed with President Trump in Davos regarding air defense," he stressed. State of play: The talks started on Friday and continued on Saturday with U.S. mediators holding a joint meeting with Russian and Ukrainian negotiators and with the Russians and Ukrainians meeting directly without the Americans in the room, Ukrainian officials said. The U.S. delegation included Trump advisers Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Josh Gruenbaum, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and the commander of the U.S. military European command, Alexus Grynkewich.The Ukrainian team included Zelensky's chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov, national security adviser Rustem Umerov, Ukrainian military chief of staff General Andrii Hnatov and Zelensky's advisers Sergiy Kyslytsya and Davyd Arakhamia. Zoom in: The Russian team was led by the head of Russian military intelligence Admiral Igor Kostyukov. The negotiation teams also held a meeting with the President of the UAE Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, who hosted the talks. The UAE had mediated between Russia and Ukraine on the exchange of prisoners of war."The discussions on Friday and Saturday were conducted in a constructive and positive atmosphere and included direct engagement between Russian and Ukrainian representatives on outstanding elements of the U.S.-proposed peace framework, as well as conf

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CLAIM Posted by will Jan 25, 2026
It is important to consider the long-term implications of peace talks. Will they truly address the underlying issues, or will they simply serve as a temporary solution to appease international pressures?
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CLAIM Posted by will Jan 25, 2026
Engaging in dialogue shows a commitment to peaceful resolution and may open pathways for humanitarian aid and support for those affected by the conflict, which is essential for healing.
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CLAIM Posted by will Jan 25, 2026
The complexity of the situation means that peace talks may overlook key stakeholders, including local populations in Ukraine, whose voices and needs must be included to ensure a lasting peace.
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CLAIM Posted by will Jan 25, 2026
There is skepticism about the sincerity of Russia's intentions at these talks, as past agreements have often been violated. How can we trust that this dialogue will lead to meaningful change?
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CLAIM Posted by will Jan 25, 2026
The involvement of the U.S. in peace talks adds a layer of international oversight that could help enforce agreements and deter aggressive actions from Russia, making it a necessary step forward.
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CLAIM Posted by will Jan 25, 2026
Peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. can lead to a de-escalation of tensions, fostering a climate of cooperation that could ultimately contribute to regional stability and security.
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CLAIM Posted by will Jan 25, 2026
While peace talks may seem promising, they risk legitimizing Russia's actions and undermining Ukraine's sovereignty, potentially leading to a freeze of the conflict rather than a genuine resolution.
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