Russia’s cynical negotiation facade: bombardment undermines talks while extremist demands persist
As U.S.-brokered peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and American envoys wrapped up in Abu Dhabi without a breakthrough, Russian forces unleashed a massive overnight barrage on Ukrainian cities, highlighting what critics describe as Moscow’s duplicitous approach to diplomacy.
Ukrainian officials decried the strikes as a cynical ploy by President Vladimir Putin to sabotage negotiations while clinging to maximalist demands that would effectively reduce Ukraine to a vassal state. This pattern of feigned engagement amid unrelenting aggression underscores Russia’s strategy to pressure Kyiv into submission, analysts say, even as the West seeks a swift resolution to the nearly four-year conflict.
The second round of trilateral discussions, held in the United Arab Emirates, marked a rare direct encounter between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators. Delegations included high-profile figures such as Ukraine’s intelligence chief Kirill Budanov and national security secretary Rustem Umerov, Russia’s military intelligence head Igor Kostyukov, and U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The talks focused on “outstanding elements” of Washington’s peace framework, including confidence-building measures and security protocols. A U.S. official expressed optimism, noting “significant progress” with only one major sticking point unresolved, and confirmed plans for another round next Sunday in Abu Dhabi, potentially followed by meetings in Moscow or Kyiv.
Yet, as delegates deliberated in a “constructive and positive atmosphere,” as described by a UAE spokesperson, Russia launched 375 drones and 21 missiles at Kyiv and Kharkiv, targeting energy infrastructure and residential areas. The assault left over 800,000 people without power or heat in subzero temperatures, killed at least one civilian, and injured more than 30. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting many projectiles, but the damage was extensive, with blackouts affecting hospitals, maternity wards, and dormitories for internally displaced people. This was the third major strike since the New Year, exacerbating civilian hardships in what has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha lambasted the timing as deliberate sabotage. “Cynically, Putin ordered a brutal massive missile strike against Ukraine right while delegations are meeting in Abu Dhabi to advance the America-led peace process,” Sybiha stated. “His missiles hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table.” He argued that such actions prove Putin’s place is “not at the board of peace, but at the dock of the special tribunal,” emphasizing Russia’s ongoing war crimes and genocidal tactics against civilians.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy echoed this, ruling out territorial concessions and dismissing Russian reparation proposals as “nonsense,” while stressing the need for robust U.S. air defence commitments from recent Davos discussions.
At the heart of Russia’s duplicity lies its unyielding demands, which go far beyond territorial claims and aim to neuter Ukraine’s sovereignty. Putin insists on Kyiv surrendering the remaining 20% of Donetsk region – about 5,000 square kilometres – that Ukrainian forces still control, viewing it as part of Russia’s “historical lands.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated this ahead of the talks, signalling no compromise on Donbas (encompassing Donetsk and Luhansk).
Broader demands include Ukraine’s demilitarization, a ban on NATO membership, and the ousting of what Moscow calls the “Nazi regime” in Kyiv – conditions that would strip Ukraine of its defensive capabilities and align it with Russian interests.
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) describe these as “extremist,” noting that Russia’s continued strikes on energy infrastructure – causing widespread blackouts – aim to erode Ukrainian resilience and force concessions through attrition.
This tactic of bombing while talking is not new. Russia has maintained a hard line, rejecting any deal short of territorial gains, even as U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration pushes for quick progress.
Russia’s approach appears designed to lure the West – particularly the Trump administration – into exerting pressure on Ukraine for concessions, thereby achieving vassalization without full military conquest. While Zelenskiy stands firm against yielding land, Moscow’s insistence on complete Donbas control risks derailing any deal.
Ukraine, backed by European allies, demands reparations and full territorial integrity, with polls showing little public support for concessions. Zelenskyy has prepared for “both possible paths” -diplomacy or continued defence – increasingly relying from European support.
With agencies
Caption: A handout photo released by the UAE Presidential Court shows UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (4-R), meeting with Kirill Budanov, Director of the Office of the President of Ukraine (R), Steve Witkoff, United States Special Envoy (2-R), Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (3-R), Igor Kostyukov, Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces (3-L), and Jared Kushner (2-L) during UAE-hosted trilateral talks between the United States, Russia and Ukraine at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 23 January 2026. EPA/UAE Presidential Court /HANDOUT