Zelenskiy says Ukraine and Russia to hold first trilateral talks with U.S. officials in UAE

Davos, Switzerland. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukrainian and Russian teams will have their first trilateral meeting with U.S. officials in the United Arab Emirates on Friday and Saturday.

Trilateral meeting planned in the UAE

Zelenskiy made the announcement on Thursday after delivering an address at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss Alpine resort of Davos. He said the meetings would take place on Friday and Saturday.

Comments on attacks on energy infrastructure

Asked about recent Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, Zelenskiy said Russia’s “goal is to cause blackouts in Ukraine” and affect civilians. “This is the face of Russia. And really, this is the face of this war,” he said.

Call for stronger air defence

Zelenskiy said he reminded U.S. President Trump of the need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence.

Impact on civilians and soldiers

“I can’t say that they these attacks make us stronger, because it’s about our people. The people, I mean this, they’re surviving, … but they’re heroic people, civilians and soldiers. … They fight for their families, houses, and, of course, for the freedom,” Zelenskiy said.

What do you think the UAE meetings could mean for the next steps in the conflict?