Russia is reportedly demanding that all countries recognize the Donbas as Russian territory as part of a broader agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
According to Russia’s state news agency TASS citing a Western source in Abu Dhabi, negotiators were discussing “economic issues, territories, and a ceasefire mechanism.”
“Russia sees recognition of Donbas by all countries as part of a larger agreement,” the source said.
Later, President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the Kremlin’s alleged demands during a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Kyiv.
He said that any “recognition” of Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories as Russian would not benefit Moscow, even if leaders of other countries took such a step.
“First, not everyone will recognize this, as my Polish colleague said. And second, Ukraine has a president who signs documents – thank God. And not other leaders sign important documents for Ukraine,” Zelensky said.
He added that, regardless of outside statements, Ukraine’s territories remain Ukrainian, even though they are currently under temporary Russian occupation.
The TASS source also claimed that security guarantees for Ukraine could involve rapid multinational response forces rather than peacekeepers, adding that the atmosphere at the talks was “more businesslike than at all previous meetings.”
Ukraine, Russia Begin Second Day of Talks in Abu Dhabi
According to TASS, Europe has made several attempts to join the Abu Dhabi negotiations. The source added that the talks may conclude with a communiqué from the host country rather than a joint statement.
Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and a key Kremlin negotiator, said active efforts are underway to restore relations between Russia and the US.
He claimed discussions with the US delegation on economic cooperation were progressing positively and reported unspecified “progress” toward a peace agreement with Ukraine.
Meanwhile, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the US had agreed to exchange 314 prisoners of war – the first such swap in 5 months.
“This outcome was achieved from peace talks that have been detailed and productive,” Witkoff wrote on X. “While significant work remains, steps like this demonstrate that sustained diplomatic engagement is delivering tangible results and advancing efforts to end the war in Ukraine.”
He added that discussions would continue, with further progress expected in the coming weeks.
Witkoff made no mention of the Donbas or territorial status in his statement.
Ukraine’s lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, earlier said the discussions continued in the same format as Wednesday, including trilateral consultations, group work, and coordination of positions.
Kyiv described the first day as “substantive and productive,” though no breakthrough was reported. Umerov said the sides discussed “concrete steps and practical solutions.”
The Kremlin maintained its hardline stance, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying the fighting would continue “until the Kyiv regime makes the appropriate decisions.”
The main sticking point remains eastern Ukraine. Moscow is demanding that Kyiv withdraw troops from parts of the Donbas that Russia has not been able to conquer in nearly 12 years of fighting, and for Kyiv to recognize Russian control over seized territory.
Ukraine rejects any pullback and insists the conflict should be frozen along the current front line.
The talks, first held on Jan. 23-24, mark the most public progress so far in US President Donald Trump’s push to end the war.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhy said Kyiv is “interested in finding out what the Russians and Americans really want” from the negotiations.
