When the first statements were issued following the Ukraine-U.S.-Russia meetings in Abu Dhabi on Friday and Saturday, they sounded more optimistic than usual.

U.S. officials said that the talks had “surpassed expectations,” and that the mood in the room was “very upbeat, very positive, very constructive.” [Jessie Yeung, et al., CNN, January 24, 2026.]

One official said that, while a final deal was still not guaranteed, “Getting to this place was a really big step,” and that the parties were working creatively toward solutions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky added:

“. . . a lot was discussed, and it is important that the conversations were constructive. . . . The central focus of the discussions was the possible parameters for ending the war. All sides agreed to report back in their capitals on each aspect of the negotiations and to coordinate further steps with their leaders. Provided there is readiness to move forward — and Ukraine is ready — further meetings will take place, potentially as early as next week.” [Id.]

A further comment from a U.S. official was in agreement:

“De-escalation is important. Yes, territory is important, as well, but we’ve eliminated lots of things that the parties couldn’t agree on before Geneva. It’s important for us to keep up the momentum.” [Id.]

Then word came from Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, who told state news agency TASS that Moscow wants to develop a plan that “fully corresponds to the fundamental understandings” reached between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Alaska last August. [Id.]

But since we don’t really know what “understandings” were reached between the two leaders in Alaska — other than a mutual desire for improved trade relations — I find that comment worrisome.

The TASS report, citing another source, also said that the parties at Abu Dhabi had discussed “buffer zones and various control mechanisms,” but that the issue of territories remains difficult. [Id.]

And there’s the crux of the problem: that ever-present, all-important, seemingly insurmountable issue of the Donbas region. Putin insists that Russia must have it; Zelensky refuses to be bullied into giving away 20 percent of his country’s territory.

So, for all of the optimism as to the issues that may have been resolved, the most contentious one remains.

The parties have agreed to resume talks on February 1st, again in Abu Dhabi. In the meantime — even during the time the talks were underway — the shelling of Ukraine has continued in the midst of a relentlessly bitter winter.

*. *. *

Union General William Tecumseh Sherman was stating the obvious when he said during the American Civil War that “War is hell.” I doubt anyone in Ukraine would disagree with him.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
1/25/26