Moscow and Kyiv are preparing to take part in a new round of US-mediated peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi, as Washington steps up diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the nearly five-year war in Ukraine.

Senior officials from Russia, Ukraine and the United States are scheduled to meet in the United Arab Emirates for the first trilateral negotiations since February, with territorial disputes and postwar security arrangements expected to dominate the discussions.

Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a member of the American delegation alongside special envoy Steve Witkoff, said the talks would focus on addressing the postwar security concerns of both Russia and Ukraine.

"An important part of this process is encouraging all parties to begin thinking seriously about what comes after the war," Kushner wrote on X.

One of the most contentious issues facing the negotiations is the future of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, most of which is currently under Russian control.

Moscow has demanded that Ukraine withdraw its forces from the remaining parts of Donetsk still under Kyiv's control, while the Ukrainian government insists that any ceasefire should be based on freezing the existing front line.

Kyiv considers retaining control over the remaining territory essential to its national security and has rejected Russian demands for further territorial concessions.

The territorial dispute remains one of the biggest obstacles to a comprehensive peace agreement, alongside disagreements over security guarantees and the future military arrangements in Ukraine.

Washington has been seeking to develop a framework that addresses both sides' security concerns while creating conditions for a lasting settlement. US proposals have reportedly included security guarantees for Ukraine intended to deter any future Russian military action.

Ukraine, meanwhile, has insisted that any agreement must include credible international guarantees and mechanisms to prevent renewed hostilities.

The negotiations come amid continued fighting and attacks on military and critical infrastructure targets, underscoring the challenges facing diplomatic efforts.

Although Washington has expressed hopes of advancing the peace process, major differences over territory, security arrangements and the terms of a potential ceasefire remain unresolved.

The Abu Dhabi meeting is therefore expected to be an important test of whether the three countries can make progress towards a negotiated settlement after years of fighting. (ILKHA)