Ukraine is preparing for high-level talks with the United States and Russia in the United Arab Emirates as the search for a path to end the war intensifies. President Volodymyr Zelensky made the announcement after meeting with President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The US envoy Steve Witkoff, accompanied by Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, travelled to Moscow to hold discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Witkoff expressed confidence in the possibility of resolving the remaining disagreement.
"I think we've got it down to one issue and we have discussed iterations of that issue, and that means it's solvable," he said before departing Davos.
Zelensky later clarified that the unresolved matter concerns the future of eastern Ukraine. He confirmed that the upcoming talks would include representatives from Russia, the United States, and Ukraine, emphasizing that Moscow must be willing to compromise.
"The Russians have to be ready for compromises, not only Ukraine," Zelensky said.
He added, "It's all about the land. This is the issue which is not solved yet," noting that the trilateral discussions could help identify possible solutions.
The US has suggested turning Donbas, Ukraine’s industrial heartland, into a demilitarised economic zone in return for security guarantees for Kyiv. Witkoff said the discussions would cover military arrangements and economic measures, and that he would travel to Abu Dhabi after his visit to Moscow.
"If both sides want to solve this, we're going to get it solved," he said.
Zelensky also revealed that he and Trump had agreed on potential US security guarantees for Ukraine in case of a deal, which would require approval from both the US Congress and Ukraine’s parliament. He stressed that, while the UK- and France-led "Coalition of the Willing" would monitor the agreement, US involvement remained critical.
"No security guarantees work without the US," he said.
In his Davos speech, Zelensky criticised European nations for failing to show the political determination needed to act against Russia.
"There are endless internal arguments and things left unsaid that stop Europe from uniting and speaking honestly enough to find real solutions," he said.
"President Trump loves who he is, and he says he loves Europe, but he will not listen to this kind of Europe," he added.
Zelensky had travelled overnight to attend the forum, after initially postponing his trip to respond to Russian attacks on Kyiv’s power infrastructure. These strikes left thousands of apartment buildings without heating, water, or electricity during one of the coldest winters since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Last month, Zelensky stated that a 20-point US peace plan was almost complete, noting Ukraine’s position on Donbas differs from Russia’s. As part of the plan, Ukraine has proposed withdrawing troops up to 40 kilometres from the part of Donetsk it controls to create an economic zone if Russia takes similar action.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said discussions with US envoys would continue on Ukraine and related matters but did not comment on whether he shared Witkoff’s optimism. Putin continues to seek full control of eastern Ukraine, and Russian advances have been slow over the past year.
Another unresolved issue is the future control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, seized by Russia in March 2022.
Zelensky highlighted the seriousness of the talks by naming his senior officials who will participate. Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s national security and defence council; Kyrylo Budanov, head of Zelensky’s office; negotiator David Arakhamia; and Chief of General Staff Andrii Hnatov will form the Ukrainian delegation.
