U.S.-Led Peace Talks with Russia and Ukraine: the roles of Kostyukov and Budanov, “territorial” issues Based on reports from January 2026, the United States has launched a renewed, high-stakes diplomatic effort to end the Russia-Ukraine war, with direct, trilateral negotiations occurring in Abu Dhabi, UAE. These talks, led on the U.S. side by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have centered heavily on “territorial” concessions and “security” arrangements. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] Here are the roles of the key figures and the status of territorial issues as of late January 2026: Roles in the Peace Talks Admiral Igor Kostyukov (Russia): As the head of Russia’s GRU (military intelligence), K

U.S.-Led Peace Talks with Russia and Ukraine: the roles of Kostyukov and Budanov, “territorial” issues
Based on reports from January 2026, the United States has launched a renewed, high-stakes diplomatic effort to end the Russia-Ukraine war, with direct, trilateral negotiations occurring in Abu Dhabi, UAE. These talks, led on the U.S. side by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have centered heavily on “territorial” concessions and “security” arrangements. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Here are the roles of the key figures and the status of territorial issues as of late January 2026:
Roles in the Peace Talks

Admiral Igor Kostyukov (Russia): As the head of Russia’s GRU (military intelligence), Kostyukov is leading the Russian delegation, which consists mainly of military officials. Experts describe him as Vladimir Putin’s “serious” and “pragmatic” negotiator appointed to focus on the core security and territorial issues.
Kyrylo Budanov (Ukraine): Previously head of Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR), Budanov is participating as the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. He is part of a high-level team alongside Rustem Umerov (National Security and Defense Council) and Gen. Andrii Hnatov (Chief of General Staff). Budanov has been tasked with bridging military reality with diplomatic strategy, with reports suggesting he has taken a more central role in negotiations regarding the “parameters for ending the war”.
U.S. Envoys (Steve Witkoff/Jared Kushner): They are driving the talks based on a 20-point peace plan that has emerged from earlier 28-point proposals. They are engaging with both sides to finalize security guarantees for Ukraine. [1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]

“Territorial” Issues and Peace Terms

The “Anchorage Formula”: Talks are heavily influenced by a rumored “Anchorage formula” from a previous Alaska summit between Trump and Russian officials.
Russian Demands: The Kremlin is demanding that Ukraine cede the entire Donbas region (Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts) and that fighting be frozen along current, albeit fluctuating, frontline positions in southern/eastern Ukraine.
Key Conflict Zone: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has described the control of the Donbas region as the “key” and most contentious issue.
Proposed Solutions: The U.S. has proposed potentially turning unoccupied areas of the Donbas into demilitarized or “free economic” zones under special administration.
Status: While discussions are described as “constructive”, they have not produced an immediate breakthrough, with further talks scheduled. [1, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]

As of late January 2026, the talks are ongoing in the UAE, aimed at establishing a ceasefire amidst continued, intense fighting and missile attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. [16, 17]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1]  latimes.com/world-nation/sto…
[2]  cfr.org/articles/u-s-russia-…
[3]  wric.com/news/u-s-world/ap-r…
[4]  msn.com/en-us/news/world/the…
[5]  king5.com/article/syndicatio…
[6]  understandingwar.org/researc…
[7]  msn.com/en-us/news/world/the…
[8]  yahoo.com/news/articles/ukra…
[9]  worldview.stratfor.com/artic…
[10]  facebook.com/ukrnewsfeed/pos…
[11]  abcnews.go.com/International…
[12]  aol.com/news/russia-ukraine-…
[13]  taipeitimes.com/News/front/a…
[14]  cbsnews.com/news/russia-ukra…
[15]  rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-w…
[16]  reuters.com/video/watch/idRW…
[17]  usnews.com/news/world/articl…

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— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Jan 25, 2026