Russia, Ukraine and US to meet for peace talks in Abu Dhabi

Delegations representing Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to gather in Abu Dhabi for a new round of discussions aimed at finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict, with Washington acting as mediator. This upcoming session in the capital of the United Arab Emirates marks the third time the parties have met there this year, following prior security consultations held in January and February. The American delegation is headed by special envoys appointed by US President Donald Trump, specifically Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who continue to spearhead mediation efforts on behalf of Washington.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated in a recent video address that his nation's position at the negotiating table has been bolstered by recent military developments. He asserted that Russian forces are enduring unprecedented losses, though Moscow rejects that assessment, and called upon the United States to convince the Kremlin to halt the hostilities. According to reports presented by General Mykhailo Drapatyi, long-range Ukrainian operations targeting facilities inside Russia, including petroleum infrastructure, are yielding tangible results.

Russia Ukraine Latest News from Abu Dhabi

Meanwhile, President Trump informed reporters in Washington that he perceives a strong inclination from both belligerents to bring the conflict to a close, noting that each side appears exhausted by the fighting. A senior American official, speaking anonymously, stated that both governments have privately demonstrated flexibility concerning a potential territorial exchange. Security guarantees for Ukraine remain a central topic of discussion, with participants exploring a potential defense commitment inspired by Article 5 of the NATO treaty.

While Kyiv seeks a return to the original international border, Russian leadership aims to secure control over the entire Donbas region. Moscow currently maintains control over approximately twenty percent of Ukrainian territory, encompassing Crimea and portions of eastern Ukraine. American Secretary of State Marco Rubio adopted a cautious stance, emphasizing that the diplomatic path toward a settlement requires further effort and creativity from all involved parties.

Delegations for the upcoming dialogue will be led by Rustem Umerov for Ukraine, while Vladimir Medinsky, a presidential aide, will head the Russian team alongside Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and senior military official Yuri Zhigarlovsky. Although European representatives from France, Germany, and the European Commission plan to travel to the region, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that European officials will not participate directly in the trilateral format agreed upon by Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.

Peace negotiations brokered by the United States are underway in Abu Dhabi between Russian and Ukrainian delegations.

Why it matters

The diplomatic engagement in Abu Dhabi represents a continuation of international efforts to address the protracted conflict, affecting regional stability and global energy markets. While the dialogue could lay the groundwork for future security architectures, significant divergences regarding territorial control and international guarantees mean a final settlement remains complex.