Zelenskyy Says U.S. Security Guarantees for Ukraine ‘100% Ready’ After Abu Dhabi Talks

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday that a U.S. security guarantees document for Ukraine is “100% ready” following trilateral talks involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia aimed at ending the nearly four-year war.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Vilnius, Zelenskyy said Kyiv is awaiting confirmation from its partners on the date and location for signing the agreement. Once signed, the document will be sent for ratification to the U.S. Congress and the Ukrainian parliament.

“For us, security guarantees are first and foremost guarantees from the United States,” Zelenskyy said. “The document is fully ready, and we are waiting for our partners.”

The Ukrainian leader also renewed his call for Ukraine to be granted European Union membership by 2027, describing accession as a vital “economic security guarantee” for the country.

Abu Dhabi Talks Labeled ‘Productive’

The remarks came after negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. held two days of talks Friday and Saturday in Abu Dhabi, marking the first trilateral format in a long time to include not only diplomats but also military representatives from all three sides.

While no peace deal emerged, Zelenskyy described the talks as “productive,” noting that discussions covered military, political, and economic issues. Negotiators are expected to return to Abu Dhabi on February 1 for another round of talks, according to a U.S. official.

Zelenskyy stressed that major differences remain, particularly over territorial issues. Russia continues to insist that Ukraine withdraw its forces from eastern regions Moscow claims to have annexed, though Russian troops have not fully captured those areas.

“Our position regarding our territory — Ukraine’s territorial integrity — must be respected,” Zelenskyy said, adding that while the United States is attempting to find a compromise, “all sides must be ready for compromise.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly discussed possible settlement options with envoys of U.S. President Donald Trump, though Moscow has maintained its hardline territorial demands.

Continued Strikes and Winter Hardship

Despite diplomatic efforts, Russia has continued missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, heavily targeting energy infrastructure during a particularly harsh winter.

Zelenskyy said that in the past week alone, Russia launched more than 1,700 attack drones, over 1,380 guided aerial bombs, and dozens of missiles. He appealed for additional air defense systems from Western allies, warning that sub-zero temperatures and repeated strikes have made repairs to heating and electricity networks increasingly difficult.

Russia Rejects EU Role

Meanwhile, the Kremlin said it would not engage in peace discussions with European Union officials. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized EU leadership as “incompetent,” singling out EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Postwar Reconstruction Plans Emerge

As talks continue, the U.S. and EU are advancing plans for Ukraine’s postwar recovery. According to reports, a proposed $800 billion reconstruction and prosperity framework envisions a 10-year rebuilding strategy combining public funding, international institutions, and private investment.

The plan, circulated among EU leaders ahead of the Davos summit, aims to shift Ukraine from emergency aid to long-term economic independence and fast-track EU integration once hostilities end. BlackRock is advising on the framework on a pro-bono basis but has cautioned that large-scale investment will remain unlikely while active fighting continues.

A spokesperson for the United Arab Emirates said the Abu Dhabi talks were held in a “constructive and positive atmosphere” and focused on unresolved elements of the U.S.-proposed peace framework, including direct engagement between Russian and Ukrainian officials.

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