Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Resume in Abu Dhabi with US Mediation

Abu Dhabi is set to host a new round of negotiations between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia in early March, as efforts to find a diplomatic resolution to the nearly four-year-long conflict continue. The talks, brokered by the US, aim to address key issues and potentially pave the way for a higher-level meeting between leaders.

Recent Developments and Negotiations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday evening that the next trilateral meeting is likely to take place in the United Arab Emirates, specifically in Abu Dhabi MSN. This follows consultations between US and Ukrainian delegations in Geneva, where economic recovery and security parameters for Ukraine were discussed.

Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s national security council, led the Ukrainian delegation in Geneva, meeting with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner MSN. Negotiations occurred in both bilateral (Ukraine-US) and trilateral (Ukraine-US-Switzerland) formats, focusing on finalizing security parameters, economic solutions, and agreed-upon positions to form the basis for future agreements.

The UAE also hosted talks on January 23, 2026, between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators, with the United States also participating Al Jazeera. These discussions marked the first direct public negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv on a plan proposed by the Trump administration to end the war.

Key Issues and Challenges

Zelenskyy emphasized that territorial disputes will be central to the discussions, but stressed the importance of Russia demonstrating a willingness to end the conflict it initiated Al Jazeera. He also noted the need for international pressure on Russia to change its course.

Previous talks in Abu Dhabi, as reported by the Associated Press AP News, occurred amidst ongoing conflict, with reports of Russian strikes in regions like Zaporizhzhia and Odesa.

US Role and Mediation Efforts

The United States is playing a key role in mediating the talks, seeking to advance efforts to reach a deal to end the war in Ukraine The Guardian. The negotiations are proceeding in a trilateral format – Ukraine, the United States, and Russia – followed by separate working group discussions and a subsequent joint synchronization of positions.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming meeting in Abu Dhabi aims to build on previous discussions and establish a framework for a lasting peace. Although challenges remain, the resumption of talks represents a continued effort to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict. The focus will be on making the next trilateral meeting as meaningful as possible, according to Ukrainian officials MSN.