Speaking after the talks, Zelenskiy said the framework for security guarantees for Ukraine had been finalised, marking a key step forward in negotiations that Kyiv sees as essential to any lasting peace. However, he stressed that territorial integrity remains the most sensitive and unresolved issue, underscoring the deep divisions that still exist between the warring sides.

Zelenskiy also announced that negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the United States are set to hold trilateral talks for the first time in Abu Dhabi on Friday and Saturday. He framed the meetings as a positive development and a potential breakthrough, as direct engagement among all three parties has been limited since the conflict began.

Alongside security discussions, Zelenskiy said an agreement on Ukraine’s post-war economic recovery is close to completion. Such a deal would be a cornerstone of Kyiv’s strategy to rebuild infrastructure and revive growth after years of devastation, while also countering earlier peace proposals that Ukrainian officials believe leaned too heavily in Moscow’s favour.

Both leaders struck an optimistic tone after their meeting. Trump told reporters the discussion with Zelenskiy had been good and described the peace process as ongoing, while reiterating his belief that the war must end. He confirmed that U.S. envoys were travelling to Moscow to continue talks, adding to a flurry of high-level diplomatic activity.

Zelenskiy, who has made security guarantees a precondition for broader negotiations, said earlier this week that he would only attend Davos if agreements with Washington could be reached. Ukraine continues to face an energy crisis at home after repeated Russian air strikes damaged power and heating infrastructure, leaving millions without basic services during winter.

The Ukrainian leader accused Russia of attempting to freeze civilians into submission through sustained attacks on energy facilities, describing the strategy as a form of warfare against the population. He questioned why Russian President Vladimir Putin had not yet faced accountability, drawing comparisons with other international cases pursued by the United States.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said progress was being made in peace talks after meeting Ukrainian and Russian officials in Davos. He added that if all sides genuinely wanted a solution, an agreement was achievable, echoing cautious optimism among diplomats observing the process.

Witkoff and fellow U.S. envoy Jared Kushner were expected to meet Putin in Moscow later on Thursday, before heading to Abu Dhabi for further discussions. The talks are set to include military-level contacts and debate over a broader economic package linked to a potential settlement.

Russia has reacted cautiously to the U.S.-led initiative, maintaining demands that Ukraine cede parts of eastern territory, including areas Moscow has struggled to fully control militarily. Putin has said discussions would include reconstruction of occupied regions and proposals for new international peace mechanisms.

Financial markets responded positively to the diplomatic activity, with Ukraine’s international bonds rallying as investors grew hopeful that negotiations could lead to an end to Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two. Despite the talks, fighting continued on the ground, with Russian strikes hitting several Ukrainian cities and causing civilian casualties.

The delegation is expected to engage with key figures involved in shaping the US approach to the conflict, focusing on the details of a proposed peace framework. Ukrainian officials have emphasized that their objective is not merely a ceasefire, but a settlement that ensures long term stability and sovereignty.

According to officials in Kyiv, the talks will center on security guarantees that could protect Ukraine from future aggression once hostilities end. These discussions are seen as essential, given the scale of the conflict and the ongoing fighting along a front line stretching over vast territory.

Despite repeated diplomatic efforts over the past several years, the war has shown no signs of fully de escalating. Military engagements continue daily, underscoring the urgency behind the latest negotiations taking place on American soil.

Ukraine and the United States have reportedly worked together on a detailed peace proposal containing multiple points addressing military, political, and economic concerns. However, the absence of a clear response from Russia remains one of the biggest obstacles to progress.

Among the most sensitive topics expected to dominate the talks are territorial questions, future defense arrangements, and the status of critical infrastructure under occupation. These issues are deeply complex and carry significant consequences for regional and global security.

Ukrainian officials have also indicated that post war reconstruction will form a key part of the agenda. Years of conflict have caused extensive damage to infrastructure, housing, and industry, making international investment crucial for recovery.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed hope that upcoming international meetings will help unlock large scale reconstruction funding. Such investments are viewed as vital not only for rebuilding Ukraine, but also for ensuring economic resilience in the years following the war.

The United States has played a central role in diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict, with President Trump personally urging both Kyiv and Moscow to move toward an agreement. His administration’s involvement has added renewed momentum, even as battlefield realities remain difficult.

Officials involved in the talks have described the current phase as decisive, noting that prolonged delays could harden positions on all sides. The challenge lies in balancing compromise with the need to preserve Ukraine’s core national interests.

As negotiations continue, expectations remain cautious rather than optimistic. Past rounds of dialogue have often ended without concrete outcomes, highlighting how difficult it is to bridge the gap between diplomatic proposals and realities on the ground.

The visit underscores Ukraine’s determination to pursue every available diplomatic channel. It also signals that international engagement remains a key pillar of Kyiv’s strategy to secure a just and lasting peace.

Talks remain ongoing. No final agreement has been reached.