Archive · 24 Jan 2026
Ukraine-Russia-US Talks Focus on Donetsk
Ukraine and Russia are having a disagreement over the Donetsk region.
Russia wants Ukraine to give up the part of Donetsk it still controls, but Ukraine says no.
The United States is helping to mediate the talks.
Donetsk is important because it has valuable industries and is a key defensive area for Ukraine.
Both sides have fought hard for it and don't want to give it up.
There are talks happening to try to find a solution, but so far, they haven't agreed on anything.
The talks are taking place in Abu Dhabi, and both sides are sending representatives to discuss the issue.
Ukraine and Russia are in disagreement over the fate of the Donetsk region.
Russia wants Ukraine to withdraw from the remaining 20% of Donetsk it controls.
Ukraine sees Donetsk as vital for its defense and refuses to give it up.
Donetsk has significant industrial value, including coal, steel, and rare earths.
Talks are ongoing, with proposals for a demilitarized zone, but no agreement has been reached.
- Who
- Ukraine, Russia, and the United States
- What
- Trilateral talks on the conflict in Donetsk
- When
- Friday and Saturday
- Where
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Why
- To resolve the territorial dispute in Donetsk
- Location of Talks
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Russian Demand
- Ukraine withdraw from 20% of Donetsk
- Ukrainian Stance
- No reason to gift land to Putin
- Military Importance
- Strategic defensive line for Ukraine
- Industry in Donetsk
- Coal, steel, rare earths, titanium, zirconium
- Proposed Compromise
- Demilitarized, free economic zone
- Talks Duration
- Friday and Saturday
- US Involvement
- Mediator in trilateral talks
Sources
Why are Ukraine and Russia not able to agree on the fate of Donetsk?
Russia, Ukraine and US negotiators sit down for ‘first trilateral talks’ on four-year-old conflict
Russia, Ukraine to tackle land dispute at UAE talks; no sign of compromise
Ukraine, US and Russia: do rare trilateral talks mean peace is possible?
"Donbas Is Key": Zelensky On Territorial Discussions At Trilateral Talks
Russia Demands Ukraine Pull Out Of Donbas Region Ahead Of Abu Dhabi Talks
Russia, Ukraine sit for tense talks on thorny territorial issue
'Ukraine Must Withdraw From Donbas': Russia Stands Firm As Abu Dhabi Trilateral Peace Talks Begin
Russia, Ukraine and US Hold Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi at Key Moment
Russia-Ukraine-US hold meet in UAE: Why talks are are important; what to expect as Donbas issue remains friction point?
Ukraine-Russia-US talks begin in UAE as Moscow sticks to Donbas demand
Russian, Ukrainian, US Negotiators Meet In Abu Dhabi For Peace Talks
Ukraine’s two largest cities under Russian attack, officials say 13 injured
'Should Be Ready To End War...': Russia, Ukraine And US Hold First-Ever Trilateral Talks In UAE On Thorny Territorial Issue
‘Moscow Must End The War’: Zelenskyy Reiterates Stance As Russia, Ukraine, US Hold Trilateral Talks
‘Russia must be ready to end war’: Zelensky as trilateral peace talks open in Abu Dhabi
‘Moscow must end war’: Zelensky says as Russia, Ukraine hold first direct talks on US plan
All About Donbas, The Ukrainian Territory That Russia Wants
Russian airstrikes pound Ukraine amid US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi – ThePrint – ReutersFeed
