The Russia-Ukraine War Could Have Ended in August: Reuters

Ukrainian and Russian representatives are expected to focus on territorial issues during negotiations set to commence today in Abu Dhabi. According to both parties, the discussions will last for two days and will encompass the discrepancies surrounding the Donbas region, which continue to be a major obstacle to resolving the conflict. This has been reported by Reuters.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that territorial issues will be prioritized in the upcoming negotiations. He mentioned that the Donbas matter will be discussed in the context of Ukraine's, Russia's, and the United States' approaches. The talks are scheduled to begin on Friday evening and continue into Saturday morning.

Russian President Vladimir Putin insists that Ukraine must concede the part of the Donetsk region that remains under Kyiv's control. This concerns an area of approximately 5,000 square kilometers, which Moscow claims is a crucial condition for a peaceful agreement. The Ukrainian leadership refuses to discuss the transfer of territories that Russian forces have been unable to seize during the war.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has stated that Ukraine's concessions on the Donbas issue are a fundamental condition for Russia. Moscow also refers to the “Ankorichi resolution,” which, according to the Russian side, implies complete control of the Donbas by Russia and a freeze on the frontline in other directions.

Donetsk is one of four regions that Russia announced it was annexing in 2022 following referendums that Kyiv and Western nations did not recognize.