Officials from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States met in Abu Dhabi on Friday to hold the first direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters early Friday that the Donbas issue is “key” and will be discussed during the trilateral talks.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the discussions will run for two days “as part of ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.”
Ahead of the talks, Russia reiterated its demands that Kyiv surrender the Donbas region.
President Vladimir Putin earlier held a late-night meeting with three US envoys, insisting that a “long-term” settlement could only be achieved if Kyiv approved the formula agreed upon in Anchorage.
Putin was referring to a framework discussed with US President Donald Trump during a summit in Anchorage, Alaska, in August 2025, Reuters reported.
According to sources, the so-called Anchorage formula would grant Russia full control of Donbas while freezing front lines in other parts of eastern and southern Ukraine.
Neither the US nor Russia has confirmed this information, and both sides have also declined to provide exact details of the formula.
Zelensky has been firm that Kyiv will not cede any of its territory to Russia and would only pull back its troops if Moscow does the same.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: High Seas Treaty brings rules to international waters
Zelensky slams Europe’s inaction
During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Ukrainian president criticised European leaders for failing to take decisive action against Russian aggression, warning that their inaction only emboldens Moscow.
“Europe loves to discuss the future but avoids taking action today – action that defines what kind of future we will have. That is the problem,” he said.
Zelensky then urged Europe to impose stricter sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet in order to halt oil exports and cut off Moscow’s resources to fund its war.
“Europe must do more, so its sanctions block enemies as effectively as American sanctions. Why is that important?
“Because if Europe is not seen as a global force, if its actions don’t scare bad actors, then Europe will always be reacting – catching up with new dangers and attacks,” he said.
Russia weaponises winter
Thousands of Ukrainians are left without heat and electricity in sub-zero temperatures after a new wave of Russian strikes damaged energy facilities.
To help ease the shortage, the European Commission on Friday dispatched hundreds of generators, while condemning Russia’s aggression.
“The Commission strongly condemns Russia’s attacks on critical energy infrastructure and the humanitarian harm they cause.
“The EU will not let Russia freeze Ukraine into submission and will continue helping Ukrainians get through this winter,” the agency said in a statement.
READ NEXT: Philippines hosts Myanmar stakeholders’ meeting to revive ASEAN peace plan
Angelica N. Hall 
Shameeka Voyiya 
Carmela Calling