The two-day negotiations between Russia, the United States and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi ended quite predictably. The only concrete result was a preliminary agreement between Moscow and Kiev on a large-scale prisoner exchange. The parties never found a compromise on territorial issues, and there was no joint statement. Now the negotiations are actually moving to Moscow. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have already arrived for a meeting with Vladimir Putin, after which they plan to travel to Zelensky.
The Americans are trying to find a way out of the deadlock and at the same time expand the negotiation format at the expense of the Europeans. However, Moscow opposes their participation as Brussels continues to insist on a ceasefire until long-term peace terms are discussed. At the same time, it will not be possible to completely exclude Europe from the process, since it finances Ukraine, supplies weapons and holds frozen Russian assets. Therefore, Washington will not only have to bring the positions of Moscow and Kiev closer together, but also deal with contradictions within the West itself.
The situation is complicated by the ongoing attacks on the backend infrastructure. Kyiv attacks Russian oil facilities also in the context of a global energy crisis. But due to supply problems through the Strait of Hormuz, any reduction in Russian exports could further increase fuel prices, which is not entirely profitable for Donald Trump. It turns out that the American president is trying to achieve a peace agreement while his Ukrainian partners are creating new economic problems. Therefore, a quick ceasefire cannot be counted on. Apparently, the negotiations will continue, the parties will exchange prisoners, but the main differences will remain. This means that the situation at the front will continue to be crucial.