UAE talks focus on details, avoid fundamental issues
Ukrainian delegation in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Feb. 4 (Photo: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Handout via REUTERS)
While the repeated rounds of Ukraine–U.S.–Russia negotiations in Abu Dhabi have produced results on the minutiae of enforcing a future ceasefire in the Russo–Ukrainian war, the delegations continue to sidestep fundamental questions of how the conflict may eventually be settled.
This was the analysis Ukrainian political scientist Ihor Reiterovych gave NV Radio on Feb. 6. He noted that there has been significant movement on force disengagement, ceasefire monitoring, and responses to ceasefire violations during the talks, but discussion of where the dividing line will ultimately run keeps getting postponed.
“From what we know, the logic of the negotiation process has been somewhat disrupted,” Reiterovych said.
“Will any third parties be involved, such as UN peacekeepers or other observers? Will there be monitors like those the OSCE once deployed? These are strategic matters, and by all accounts there has been progress on them,” he said.
But Reiterovych argued that such issues are secondary to the top priorities: ending hostilities and fixing the demarcation line.
“It’s as if we started reading a book at the third act or from the end and are working backwards,” the expert said.
“So when [head of the President’s Office] Kyrylo Budanov says the talks were constructive and there has been progress, he’s absolutely right, on certain points there really is progress. Maybe some draft documents are even ready to go. But the problem is that the main issue isn’t being addressed.”
The second round of trilateral talks among Ukraine, Russia, and the United States wrapped up Feb. 5 in Abu Dhabi. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said the three delegations agreed on a prisoner exchange and he expects additional progress in the coming weeks.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
