High-Stakes Trilateral Talks on Ukraine Crisis Set for Abu Dhabi

Tue Feb 03 2026 20:33:26 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are set to engage in pivotal talks in Abu Dhabi, marking the first official meeting since the onset of the war nearly four years ago.

In a significant diplomatic initiative, negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the US will engage in talks in Abu Dhabi aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting follows a constructive dialogue between President Vladimir Putin and US officials. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope that these discussions could pave the way for an end to the war, although contentious territorial issues remain unresolved. The composition and intentions of the delegations indicate a complex negotiation landscape, with the potential for substantive agreements hinging on concessions regarding the Donbas region.

Russian, Ukrainian and US negotiators will hold talks in the United Arab Emirates later, in what officials say will be the first meeting attended by all three countries since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion nearly four years ago.

The Kremlin confirmed Russian officials would attend the talks following a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and US envoys in Moscow.

Russia described those talks as useful in every respect, but stated that a long-term peace deal could not be reached until territorial issues had been resolved.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he regarded the Abu Dhabi talks as a step - hopefully towards ending the war.

Present at the Thursday night meeting with Putin were three US representatives, including Steve Witkoff, and Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov characterized the discussions as substantive, constructive and very frank, but emphasized that any agreement for durable peace would not be possible without resolving territorial disputes.

Until this is achieved, Russia will continue to consistently pursue the objectives of the special military operation, Ushakov stated, adding that Putin emphasized Russia's sincere interest in a diplomatic resolution.

Witkoff previously indicated that Russia had agreed to security guarantees for Ukraine from the US and Europe as part of a potential peace agreement.

After a meeting with Trump in Davos, Zelensky clarified that the future status of territory in eastern Ukraine remains an unsolved issue ahead of the upcoming talks. He reiterated, It's all about the land. This is the issue which is not solved yet, and that it was necessary for both sides to be ready for compromises.

Key sticking points in the discussions include Russia's demand for Ukraine to relinquish control over 25% of the Donetsk region. Zelensky stated that the Donbas issue is critical and would be a focal point in the negotiations.

The delegations will feature prominent figures, including General Igor Kostyukov leading the Russian side and Ukrainian officials who will engage in discussions regarding both military and economic concerns.

Simultaneously, both nations reported drone attacks overnight, indicating ongoing conflict even as peace talks are set to unfold.