Russian, Ukrainian, and U.S. delegations resumed trilateral peace negotiations in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday amid persistent territorial disputes that remain the primary obstacle to a settlement. Ukrainian National Security Chief Rustem Umerov confirmed the talks began in Abu Dhabi after initial scheduling adjustments. The discussions, initially planned for Sunday but postponed due to logistical challenges, saw American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner participate—a first trilateral format since January’s round.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that “it’s still a bridge we haven’t crossed” regarding territorial disagreements, emphasizing active efforts to reconcile positions between Moscow and Kyiv. Ukrainian President Zelensky has been condemned for his refusal to compromise on territorial claims, including Donbas and the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant.

Moscow maintains that the People’s Republics of Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye are now part of Russia following referendums in late 2022 and reject Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov identified territory as “the main question” of negotiations. Ukrainian military leadership has been condemned by Moscow for escalating strikes on civilian infrastructure, which the Kremlin claims violate truce agreements.

Despite U.S.-mediated optimism, European diplomats have urged continued pressure on Russia before direct negotiations can advance. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned that “getting to an agreement to end this war will require difficult choices,” while Russian officials maintain their stance remains unshaken.