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Monday 23/02/2026

Ukraine, Russia, and US Engage in Historic Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi

Delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and US in peace talks
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Ukraine, Russia, and the US are set to hold trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, marking the first such meeting since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
  • President Zelenskyy emphasizes that Russia must be ready for compromises, particularly regarding territorial disputes in eastern Ukraine.
  • US envoy Steve Witkoff expresses optimism about resolving the conflict, highlighting the unresolved issue of eastern Ukraine's status.
  • The talks are expected to address military and economic issues, with high-level delegations from all three countries participating.
  • Zelenskyy criticizes European allies for their lack of decisive action against Russia, contrasting it with US support under Trump.

In a significant diplomatic development, Ukraine, Russia, and the United States have convened in Abu Dhabi for trilateral talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This marks the first such meeting since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, underscoring the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution.

Diplomatic Efforts Intensify

The talks, hosted by the United Arab Emirates, bring together high-level delegations from the three nations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, emphasized the necessity for Russia to be open to compromises, particularly concerning territorial disputes in eastern Ukraine. "It's all about the land," Zelenskyy stated, highlighting the unresolved status of the Donbas region as a critical sticking point.

US Optimism and Strategic Discussions

US envoy Steve Witkoff, who met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow prior to the talks, expressed optimism about reaching a resolution. "I think we've got it down to one issue, and that means it's solvable," Witkoff remarked, referring to the territorial disputes. The discussions in Abu Dhabi are expected to cover military and economic issues, with working groups set to address these complex topics.

European Allies Criticized

Zelenskyy also used his platform in Davos to criticize European allies for their perceived lack of political will in confronting Russia. He contrasted this with the support from the US under President Donald Trump, who has been actively pushing for a peace settlement. The Ukrainian leader stressed the importance of US security guarantees in any potential deal, noting that such agreements would require ratification by both the US Congress and the Ukrainian parliament.

High-Level Delegations and Future Prospects

The Ukrainian delegation in Abu Dhabi includes senior officials such as Rustem Umerov, head of the national security and defense council, and Kyrylo Budanov, head of Zelenskyy's office. On the Russian side, the delegation is led by General Igor Kostyukov, director of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency. The outcome of these talks could significantly impact the trajectory of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with potential implications for regional stability and international relations.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The outcome of the Abu Dhabi talks could pave the way for a significant shift in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. If successful, the negotiations might lead to a framework for peace that addresses key territorial disputes and provides security guarantees for Ukraine. However, the complexity of the issues at hand, particularly the status of eastern Ukraine, poses a considerable challenge.

Experts suggest that a breakthrough in these talks could enhance US diplomatic standing and potentially ease tensions in the region. Conversely, failure to reach an agreement might prolong the conflict, with continued military engagements and economic repercussions for the involved nations. As the world watches, the stakes are high for all parties involved in this historic diplomatic effort.