President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Ukraine is eagerly awaiting further details from the United States about upcoming peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. In a recent video address, he indicated that initial meetings scheduled for 4 February in the United Arab Emirates have been set in stone, albeit with the absence of the prior scheduled discussions.
Details on Upcoming Talks
According to Zelenskyy, the trilateral meetings with US and Russian representatives are now set for 4 and 5 February 2024. This change comes on the heels of separate talks in Florida involving Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who met with US officials a day prior. The specifics behind the rescheduling were not disclosed.
Challenges in Negotiations
- The key sticking point remains the contentious issue of territory, particularly the Donetsk region, which Russia currently occupies.
- Ukraine firmly opposes any concessions, fearing that surrendering territory would only encourage further aggression from Moscow.
- Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to negotiate across various formats, stressing the need for tangible results.
Statements from Key Figures
US envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been actively involved in these discussions, remarked that the talks have been “productive and constructive.” However, both sides seem to be at an impasse concerning the territorial demands raised by Russia.
In a strategic move, Zelenskyy continues to reinforce Ukraine’s stance—arguing that any agreement lacking clear deterrents against future invasions is unacceptable to the Ukrainian people.
International Reactions
As tensions escalate, Zelenskyy’s administration is also receiving support from notable figures such as Elon Musk. The Defence Minister thanked Musk for his efforts in preventing Russia from utilising Starlink satellites for drone strikes, stating, “The first steps are already delivering real results.” Such international alliances are crucial as the conflict rages on.