The Ukrainian negotiating team that held talks with Russian and American diplomats over the weekend (January 25 and 26) in Abu Dhabi appeared internally divided over the territorial issue, resulting in a setback for the negotiations on the Ukrainian conflict. In fact, Zelensky's chief of staff, Kiril Budanov, was reportedly ready to enter the substance of the territorial issue and reach a settlement with Russia; however, his political superior decided—at the last moment—otherwise. As revealed by Russian and Ukrainian media, Budanov reportedly proposed "certain compromises" regarding the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbass. Despite this, Volodymyr Zelensky maintained a hard line, blowing the negotiations apart.
Revelation: Budanov was ready for a deal with Russia but Zelensky intervened
Certain members of the Ukrainian delegation at the Abu Dhabi talks were ready to compromise with Russia on specific issues, including territory, but Zelensky ordered them to strictly adhere to the previously agreed framework. Furthermore, Moscow, on certain matters, does not accept compromises, according to Ukrainian media. 
The new head of the Ukrainian presidential office, Budanov, who was included in the negotiating delegation, was ready to negotiate with Russia, even on the territorial issue, offering some compromises regarding the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbass. However, at the last moment, Zelensky's position prevailed, according to which Kyiv will make no concessions. Russia, however, is also reluctant to compromise; it demands the full withdrawal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic, as had been agreed in Alaska during the meeting between Putin and Trump.
Shock rift within the Ukrainian negotiating team: Zelensky maintains hard line
According to Ukrainian media, Budanov insists on compromises in the negotiations, but Zelensky demands strict adherence to the territorial framework in order to delay the negotiations with the ultimate goal of gaining time in power. According to Ukrainian media reports, Zelensky is ready to continue the conflict and is simply waiting for orders from his European patrons. He needs promises that Europe will not abandon Ukraine, at least in the near future. However, tensions have flared between the main sponsors of the war, and relations between France and Germany are beginning to deteriorate.
Things are not going well for the British either. This is the reason for the delays in the final decision. Zelensky, therefore, was waiting for the positions of Britain, France, and Germany regarding the Abu Dhabi negotiations because he is determined to continue the prolonged war against Russia.
Russia's position on territory: Kremlin says "Anchorage formula" is the basis
Following the trilateral talks in the United Arab Emirates, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the parties discussed a 20-point plan and significantly reduced the number of "problematic issues." However, Kyiv's position on the territorial issue has not changed, despite the fact that the Kremlin has repeatedly cited this as the primary issue. Trilateral contacts between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are scheduled to resume next week, but an exact date has not yet been set, according to Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov. Commenting on the results of the trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, the Kremlin spokesman also stated that the territorial issue within the framework of the so-called "Anchorage formula" is of fundamental importance for Russia. "It is no secret, it is our fixed position, the position of our President, that the territorial issue, which is part of the 'Anchorage formula,' is, of course, of fundamental importance to the Russian side," Dmitry Peskov stated in a briefing with reporters.
Zaporizhia nuclear plant and economic issues on the table
Responding to the Kremlin, Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine's position on the territorial issue has not changed. Kyiv is waiting for the readiness of its partners to agree on a location and time for the signing of a document regarding security guarantees for Ukraine from the United States. For its part, Politico, citing American officials, reported that a significant part of the negotiations was dedicated to economic issues and control of the Zaporizhia nuclear plant. 
"Both sides are beginning to realize what they have to gain from peace. For example, Kyiv has the opportunity to implement an economic recovery plan jointly with the United States, and Russia will have the opportunity to enter into business deals with the United States," writes Politico.
The thorn of US military participation in security guarantees
In fact, Politico revealed that one of the main thorns in the negotiations was Western security guarantees for Ukraine in any post-war scenario, as well as Europe's participation in the negotiating process. "European countries continue to insist on the deployment of a small corps of troops in Ukraine to oversee the ceasefire. Washington, for its part, has indicated that it will not deploy troops but may provide satellite and intelligence support," Politico reports. An American official, speaking to Politico on condition of anonymity, noted that the US wants to create "the foundations for greater trust between Europe and Russia" during the talks. It is clear that the participation of the United States in the trilateral consultations changed the rules of the game, with Washington thus indirectly recognizing its direct involvement in the conflict, noted political scientist Anastasia Gafarova in the Russian outlet Gazeta.
Trump achieved a communication victory: Russia exploited the momentum
"The American side, and Donald Trump himself in particular, believed for a long time that the main goal was to bring Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table, where they would then agree on everything. This was partly an attempt to present the US as uninvolved in the conflict, but the opposite was proven," the political analyst stated in an interview with Gazeta.Ru. In the Abu Dhabi negotiations, the Americans acted as the necessary mediator to bring the positions of Russia and Ukraine closer together, added Konstantin Blokhin, a leading researcher at the Center for Security Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. "Previously, under pressure from his European allies, Kyiv had essentially rejected the possibility of holding such trilateral talks involving Russia. However, the United States organized the meeting, and this already constitutes a major victory and a significant breakthrough," he noted.
The ball passed to Kyiv's side
"Furthermore, the meeting took place on ground convenient for Russia, in the United Arab Emirates, so this too constitutes a clear victory," the political scientist noted. It is clear that the negotiating process has reached a "new level," stated Konstantin Blokhin. He noted that American participation makes it impossible for the Europeans to distort the agreements. "Much will depend on whether the trilateral negotiations continue and whether Kyiv is willing to abandon its previous position. For now, it seems to me that Russia and Washington have done everything in their power to ensure the successful progress of the negotiating process," Konstantin Blokhin concluded.
Trump's anger and Ukrainian fatigue push Zelensky toward compromise
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to send a delegation to the talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi to avoid the wrath of US President Donald Trump, the Financial Times revealed. "Zelensky's willingness to negotiate with Russia is driven in part by the desire not to anger Donald Trump," the article states. Additionally, another reason is the fatigue of Ukrainians from military operations. It should be noted that the head of the Kyiv regime earlier announced that a new round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States would take place this week (January 26 – February 1).
www.bankingnews.gr
Σχόλια αναγνωστών