New Round of Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Kick Off in Abu Dhabi

(MENAFN) A fresh wave of three-way negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States has commenced in Abu Dhabi, marking the second attempt to broker an end to the conflict that has devastated eastern Europe for nearly four years, Ukraine's lead negotiator confirmed Wednesday.

Rustem Umerov announced via Facebook that discussions had launched in the trilateral configuration, with specialized working groups set to tackle distinct aspects of the crisis following the main session.

"The negotiation process started in a trilateral format — Ukraine, the United States, and Russia," Umerov wrote, adding that focused teams will address separate tracks before reconvening for a "follow-up joint synchronization of positions."

The Ukrainian defense chief emphasized that his delegation operates "within the clear directives of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to achieve a dignified and lasting peace," while maintaining regular updates with the head of state. "We inform the Head of State about the progress of each stage of the negotiations," Umerov stated.

This diplomatic push follows preliminary consultations held January 23-24 in the same Emirati city, where all three parties met for initial exploratory discussions.

Washington's contingent features US special envoy Steve Witkoff alongside Jared Kushner, son-in-law to President Donald Trump, who touched down in the gulf metropolis earlier Wednesday.

Initial assessments from Kyiv and Washington characterized the opening round as "constructive," while Moscow acknowledged contacts have begun in a constructive manner, though cautioned there is "significant work ahead."

As the two-day session got underway, the Kremlin signaled it would withhold immediate public commentary on negotiation outcomes.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that pathways toward peaceful resolution remain available, though Russia will maintain its "special military operation"—Moscow's terminology for the war approaching its fifth year this month—until Kyiv makes the "appropriate decisions."

"Our position is extremely clear, and it is well understood by both the Kyiv regime and the American negotiators, who are providing good offices in conducting the trilateral negotiations and to whom we are grateful for their efforts," Peskov added.

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