Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the United States is pushing for Ukraine and Russia to achieve a ceasefire agreement by June, highlighting that discussions could take place as soon as next week. Negotiations had earlier occurred in Abu Dhabi on January 23 and 24, during which parties described the talks as constructive, yet a compromise on territorial issues has not been successfully reached.

Russia demands that Ukraine withdraw its military from the Donbas region, which includes heavily fortified cities that have remained unoccupied by Russian forces for four years. Furthermore, Moscow seeks international recognition of the territories it has unlawfully annexed as part of Russia. On the other hand, Ukraine has clarified that any resolution would need to freeze the conflict along the current front lines, rejecting a unilateral military pullback. Kyiv insists that it will not sign any agreement that does not prevent Russia from possibly launching another attack.

Currently, approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory is under Russian occupation, raising significant geopolitical tensions in the region. The outcomes of these discussions will have far-reaching implications for both countries and may influence international relations, particularly in how other nations respond to ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia.