A rare diplomatic development is unfolding as Ukraine, the United States, and Russia prepare to sit at the same table for the first time since the war began. A trilateral technical‑level meeting is scheduled for January 23 and 24 in the United Arab Emirates, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Thursday.

The announcement came during a panel discussion following Zelenskyy’s address at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The place where global leaders have gathered amid mounting geopolitical tensions.

Zelenskyy Sees Dialogue as a Step Toward Ending the War

Calling the talks a necessary step, Zelenskyy emphasized that even limited dialogue is preferable to silence. He expressed hope that the meeting could open pathways toward ending the ongoing conflict.

“Tomorrow and the day after tomorrow we will have a trilateral meeting. It’s better than not having any dialogue,” Zelenskyy said, underscoring the significance of the engagement despite uncertainties.

Notably, the Ukrainian president did not clarify whether Ukrainian and Russian officials would negotiate directly or outline the exact format of the discussions.

Talks Follow Zelenskyy’s Meeting With Donald Trump

The announcement follows Zelenskyy’s hour‑long meeting with US President Donald Trump, which the American leader described as a “good” discussion.

He said Ukrainian officials met with Trump earlier, after which the US delegation was expected to travel to Russia. The Ukrainian president offered a candid, even lighthearted, glimpse into the diplomatic choreography that lies ahead.

“Our guys are meeting with the Americans today, then the Americans are meeting with the Russians tomorrow… maybe Putin is sleeping. No one knows what’s in his head,” Zelenskyy remarked.

Ukraine Calls for Compromise From All Sides

Zelenskyy stressed that meaningful progress would require flexibility, not just from Kyiv, but from all parties involved.

“Everyone should be ready, not just Ukraine. This is important for us,” he said, adding that the outcome of the talks remains uncertain.

While expectations are tempered, the Ukrainian leader made it clear that compromise must be mutual if the war is to move toward resolution.

Zelenskyy Warns Europe’s Dependency on US Security Support

Beyond the talks, Zelenskyy also raised broader concerns about European security, arguing that the continent remains overly reliant on the United States for its defense.

“Europe needs united armed forces, forces that can truly defend Europe today,” he said. “Europe relies on the belief that if danger comes, NATO will act. But no one has really seen the alliance in action.”

His remarks reflected growing unease across European capitals about what might happen if US support were ever reduced.

“What If the US Doesn’t Help?” Zelenskyy Asks

Zelenskyy questioned the assumption that American assistance is guaranteed, suggesting that this uncertainty weighs heavily on European leaders.

“Right now NATO exists thanks to the belief that the United States will act and will not stand aside,” he said. “But what if it doesn’t? Believe me, this question is everywhere in the minds of every European leader.”

Zelenskyy: Ukraine Could Help NATO Counter Russian Ships

The Ukrainian president also pointed to Ukraine’s military experience, claiming it could contribute significantly to NATO operations if Kyiv were a member of the alliance.

“If Russian warships are sailing freely near Greenland, Ukraine can help,” Zelenskyy said. “We have the expertise and weapons to ensure not one of those ships remains.”

Drawing comparisons to Ukraine’s naval actions near Crimea, he added that Ukrainian forces know how to operate in such conditions, but only if invited and formally integrated.

“We know how to fight there if we were asked and if Ukraine were in NATO. But we are not,” Zelenskyy concluded.