Negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the US are set to meet in Abu Dhabi for their first trilateral talks since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Senior officials from all three nations are involved in the talks, but it remains unclear whether they will be in the same room together at any point.
High Stakes, Limited Expectations
Despite the significant implications of the talks, the core differences between the parties remain unchanged, and expectations are consequently low.
The Russian, Ukrainian, and US delegations will likely engage in a delicate dance of diplomacy, navigating complex issues such as ceasefire agreements, troop withdrawals, and prisoner exchanges.
One of the primary challenges facing the negotiators will be finding common ground on these issues, given the deep-seated differences in their positions.
Regardless of the outcome, the talks in Abu Dhabi will undoubtedly have significant implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader international community.
A New Format, Uncertain Results
The trilateral format of the talks is a significant departure from previous diplomatic efforts, which often involved bilateral negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, or Russia and the US.
By involving all three parties in a single framework, the talks in Abu Dhabi offer a unique opportunity for a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue.
However, this new format also raises questions about the potential for compromise and the ability of the delegations to find common ground.
As the talks in Abu Dhabi get underway, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, but the expectations are low.
Only time will tell whether the trilateral format can yield meaningful progress in the conflict, or if it will ultimately prove to be a missed opportunity for peace.
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