Donald Trump has said his administration may soon have "some good news" regarding efforts to end the war in Ukraine, something the US president has claimed he could do within 24 hours of returning to office for his second term in the White House.
"I think we're doing very well with Ukraine and Russia. This is the first time I'm saying that," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday. "I think, maybe, we'll have some good news."
Ukraine's talks with Russian and American officials are expected to take place over two days starting Wednesday in Abu Dhabi. A White House official said U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff would take part in the talks. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian delegation would also hold bilateral meetings with U.S. officials over the two days.
The Kremlin has insisted that any agreement must include Ukraine's handover of the entire eastern Donbas region, including areas still under Ukrainian control.
Kiev has strongly rejected these conditions, although Zelenskyy has said he is willing to consider alternatives, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from some parts of the east and the creation of a demilitarized zone.
The first round of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi was held on January 23–24, without any visible progress, despite the positive tones expressed afterwards.