In a dramatic twist, President Zelensky announced pivotal trilateral talks with Russia and the US in the UAE, aiming to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This announcement comes after Zelensky's meeting with President Trump at Davos.

The diplomatic push sees US envoy Steve Witkoff, with Jared Kushner, heading to Moscow to engage with Putin. Witkoff expressed optimism, stating they've narrowed down the issues, labeling them as "solvable."

While the exact sticking point remains undisclosed, Zelensky highlighted that Eastern Ukraine's status, particularly in Donbas, is yet unresolved. He stressed, "It's all about the land," urging Russia to consider compromises.

The US's innovative proposal offers a demilitarized, free economic zone in Donbas, coupled with security guarantees for Kyiv. Witkoff is poised to continue discussions in Abu Dhabi, focusing on military and economic prosperity.

Zelensky secured an agreement with Trump for future US security guarantees, requiring approval from both US Congress and Ukrainian parliament. Emphasizing a Trump-backed security framework, he insisted, "No security guarantees work without the US."

At Davos, Zelensky critiqued European allies for lacking political resolve against Russia, lauding Trump's proactive stance. He contrasted Europe's indecision with Trump's decisive leadership, arguing for stronger action against Russian aggression.

Despite the harsh winter and ongoing Russian strikes crippling Kyiv's infrastructure, Zelensky made a determined effort to reach Davos. He highlighted a 20-point US peace plan, largely finalized, stressing diverging views on Donbas and control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed ongoing discussions but remained non-committal on Witkoff's optimism. With Russia keen on regional control and slow eastern advances, the talks hold substantial significance.

Zelensky's team, including top officials like Rustem Umerov and Kyrylo Budanov, is deeply invested in the negotiations. The gravity of these talks underscores Ukraine's earnest pursuit of peace—a possible turning point in a long-standing conflict.

Key Takeaways

• High-stakes Ukraine talks involve US, Russia, in UAE to tackle land issues.

• Security guarantees essential with Trump's backing as Europe faces criticism.

• Ukraine pushes for economic zones amid harsh winter challenges.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 026-01-22

 

 

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2 hours ago, ASEAN NOW News said:

In a dramatic twist, President Zelensky announced pivotal trilateral talks with Russia and the US in the UAE, aiming to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This announcement comes after Zelensky's meeting with President Trump at Davos.

The diplomatic push sees US envoy Steve Witkoff, with Jared Kushner, heading to Moscow to engage with Putin. Witkoff expressed optimism, stating they've narrowed down the issues, labeling them as "solvable."

While the exact sticking point remains undisclosed, Zelensky highlighted that Eastern Ukraine's status, particularly in Donbas, is yet unresolved. He stressed, "It's all about the land," urging Russia to consider compromises.

The US's innovative proposal offers a demilitarized, free economic zone in Donbas, coupled with security guarantees for Kyiv. Witkoff is poised to continue discussions in Abu Dhabi, focusing on military and economic prosperity.

Zelensky secured an agreement with Trump for future US security guarantees, requiring approval from both US Congress and Ukrainian parliament. Emphasizing a Trump-backed security framework, he insisted, "No security guarantees work without the US."

At Davos, Zelensky critiqued European allies for lacking political resolve against Russia, lauding Trump's proactive stance. He contrasted Europe's indecision with Trump's decisive leadership, arguing for stronger action against Russian aggression.

Despite the harsh winter and ongoing Russian strikes crippling Kyiv's infrastructure, Zelensky made a determined effort to reach Davos. He highlighted a 20-point US peace plan, largely finalized, stressing diverging views on Donbas and control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed ongoing discussions but remained non-committal on Witkoff's optimism. With Russia keen on regional control and slow eastern advances, the talks hold substantial significance.

Zelensky's team, including top officials like Rustem Umerov and Kyrylo Budanov, is deeply invested in the negotiations. The gravity of these talks underscores Ukraine's earnest pursuit of peace—a possible turning point in a long-standing conflict.

Key Takeaways

• High-stakes Ukraine talks involve US, Russia, in UAE to tackle land issues.

• Security guarantees essential with Trump's backing as Europe faces criticism.

• Ukraine pushes for economic zones amid harsh winter challenges.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 026-01-22

 

 

View full record

Sounds like it could be a major step forward in ending the war. Let's hope so.

What has any other country done to support Ukraine? Nada, zilch, zero. A few gave sold outdated hardware to Ukraine which was purposely not able to hit Moscow. Zelenskyy is ten times the honourable leader Trump & Putin will NEVER be!

Ukraine and the United States are preparing to propose an energy ceasefire to Russia during a trilateral meeting in the UAE, the Financial Times reports.

The outlet, citing two sources, says that the US and Ukraine have discussed a proposal under which Moscow would stop strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities, and Kyiv would halt attacks on Russian refineries and shadow fleet tankers.

One informed source suggested that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is unlikely to agree to this, as he sees pressure on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as a key leverage point.

According to a senior Ukrainian official, Kyiv is also hesitant about an energy ceasefire. The reason lies in the successful drone strikes on Russia's oil and gas facilities, and more recently, on oil tankers supplying fuel to the Kremlin’s war machine.

Ukraine and US to propose energy ceasefire to Russia, says FT

11 hours ago, ASEAN NOW News said:

The US's innovative proposal offers a demilitarized, free economic zone in Donbas,

The two oblasts comprising the Donbas have already been formally annexed into Russia, though parts remain to be liberated from Ukrainian forces. So if the US is asking for what is Russian territory to be demilitarized, they could also ask for a white pony with a thick mane and long ears.

17 minutes ago, Autocan said:

The two oblasts comprising the Donbas have already been formally annexed into Russia, though parts remain to be liberated from Ukrainian forces. So if the US is asking for what is Russian territory to be demilitarized, they could also ask for a white pony with a thick mane and long ears.

Liberated? OMG -- Vladimir thanks you.

35 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Liberated? OMG -- Vladimir thanks you.

Talking about the greatest world leader of the 21st century one wonders why he persists in this charade of talks with the nitwit inhabiting the WH. But I have seen this before. The affection of the smart for the dumb, sort of a brotherly protective thing.

13 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

What has any other country done to support Ukraine? Nada, zilch, zero. A few gave sold outdated hardware to Ukraine which was purposely not able to hit Moscow. Zelenskyy is ten times the honourable leader Trump & Putin will NEVER be!

Give that man a Prize !

Better still Trump hands over the one he got from

Maria !

Not sure why anyone believes Trump's guarantees.

Steve Witkoff doesn't like questions about his business interests in Russia.

7 minutes ago, Purdey said:

Not sure why anyone believes Trump's guarantees.

Nobody sane would.

Zelininsky is wisely at least demanding any such policies be passed as law by the US congress.