Negotiators from Russia and Ukraine are set to convene in Abu Dhabi this Tuesday for the first high-level talks in nine months, aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict. Orchestrated by U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, the meeting comes as the war nears another harsh winter. Despite the diplomatic effort, expectations remain remarkably low, as previous attempts at peace have repeatedly stalled, and recent months have seen intensified Russian aggression, including a devastating strike on a village awaiting humanitarian aid.

The atmosphere surrounding the talks is fraught with tension, particularly regarding the role of the United States. President Trump’s recent suggestions that a peace deal might involve Ukraine conceding territory have sparked fears in Kyiv and across Europe of a "de-facto capitulation." European leaders, wary of being sidelined or forced into a new security arrangement, are sending representatives to the UAE to ensure their interests are not ignored. While the Kremlin insists the negotiations remain trilateral, Kyiv and its Western allies are bracing for the possibility of a forced settlement, with President Zelensky warning against any outcome that mirrors the post-WWII division of Europe.