U.S. and Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Signal Progress on Peace Talks Amid Lingering Territorial Hurdles
In a significant development on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump held an hour-long meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking a key moment in ongoing efforts to broker an end to Russia’s nearly four-year war in Ukraine. Both leaders described the discussions as positive and productive, with Trump emphasizing that “everyone wants the war to end” and expressing optimism that a deal could be reached soon. Zelenskyy echoed this sentiment, calling the talks “good” and “meaningful,” while highlighting daily coordination between Ukrainian and U.S. negotiation teams.
The Davos encounter came as part of a broader diplomatic push by the Trump administration, which has intensified shuttle diplomacy involving special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These efforts have included recent meetings with Ukrainian officials, European allies, and Russian representatives. Trump has repeatedly framed the negotiations as entering a critical phase, stating that both Kyiv and Moscow are making concessions and that failing to seize the moment would be “stupid.” U.S. envoy Witkoff, speaking at Davos earlier in the day, indicated that “good progress” was being made and that only “one major issue” remained unresolved—though he did not specify it publicly.
Zelenskyy, however, provided a more nuanced assessment following the meeting. He confirmed that terms for postwar security guarantees for Ukraine—long a priority for Kyiv—had been finalized in principle with the United States. These guarantees, which would require ratification by both countries, are seen as a cornerstone of any potential settlement to deter future Russian aggression. Zelenskyy also noted advancements on economic recovery and reconstruction plans, potentially tied to substantial funding packages.
Despite these steps forward, the Ukrainian president was candid about the persistent obstacles. “The issue of territory remains the most difficult,” he stated, adding that it is “the issue we cannot solve yet.” Zelenskyy stressed that while documents to end the war are “nearly ready,” the “last mile” of the process would be challenging. He reiterated Ukraine’s firm stance against territorial concessions, consistent with its constitution and public position, while acknowledging that both sides would need to make compromises for peace to succeed.
Trilateral Talks Set for Abu Dhabi: A Potential Turning Point
The most concrete sign of momentum came with Zelenskyy’s announcement that representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States would hold their first trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, beginning January 23 and extending into the following day. These meetings, described as technical-level discussions focused on security issues, represent a historic milestone—the first time all three parties have convened directly since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The Kremlin quickly confirmed Russia’s participation, with a delegation led by GRU military intelligence chief Admiral Igor Kostyukov expected to attend. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov described the prior overnight meeting between Putin and Trump’s envoys in Moscow as “useful,” noting that it paved the way for the Abu Dhabi gathering. Ushakov reiterated Moscow’s position that a long-term settlement cannot be achieved without resolving the “territorial issue,” referring to Russia’s demands for recognition of its control over occupied regions in eastern and southern Ukraine (approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, as well as Crimea annexed in 2014).
The trilateral format is seen by U.S. officials as a step toward narrowing gaps on core disputes, including security arrangements, demilitarization zones, and potential economic incentives. While details remain limited, the talks are expected to build on bilateral discussions and aim to finalize elements of a ceasefire and broader peace framework.
Broader Context and Challenges Ahead
The renewed focus on Ukraine follows a period of intense diplomatic activity overshadowed by other global flashpoints, including Trump’s recent announcements on Greenland access and the Board of Peace for Gaza. Zelenskyy used his Davos platform to criticize European allies for what he described as a “slow and fragmented” response to the invasion—likening it to an endless “Groundhog Day” of promises without sufficient action—while urging greater support, including more air defense systems like Patriots.
Trump, for his part, has positioned himself as a dealmaker intent on ending the conflict swiftly, often highlighting the human and economic costs of prolonged war. However, analysts caution that deep divides persist: Ukraine insists on full territorial integrity and robust security guarantees, while Russia maintains maximalist demands, including NATO non-expansion commitments and territorial concessions. Any agreement would likely face domestic scrutiny in Ukraine, where ceding land remains politically toxic, and in Russia, where Putin has framed the war as existential.
As delegations converge on Abu Dhabi, the coming days represent a critical test for the U.S.-mediated process. Progress on security guarantees offers hope, but the unresolved territorial question looms large. Whether these talks yield a breakthrough—or expose irreconcilable differences—could determine the trajectory of the war in the months ahead. For now, both Trump and Zelenskyy project cautious optimism, with the world watching closely for signs of a genuine path to peace.
