Ukraine Peace Talks Resume in Abu Dhabi as U.S., Russia, and Ukraine Seek Diplomatic Path

ABU DHABI, Feb. 2 — Diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine are set to intensify this week as negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States reconvene in Abu Dhabi for a second round of talks. The meetings, confirmed by officials in Moscow and Kyiv, represent a fragile but ongoing channel for dialogue amid continued battlefield hostilities.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Monday that the talks would be held Wednesday and Thursday, following a rescheduling from Sunday to accommodate all parties. "The dialogue will continue," Peskov said, without elaborating on specific agenda items.

The upcoming discussions build upon a first round held in the UAE capital in late January, which marked a rare instance of the three nations sitting at the same table since the invasion began nearly two years ago. A key uncertainty had been whether the U.S. would remain directly involved or if the format would revert to bilateral talks between Kyiv and Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who confirmed the three-way format, struck a cautiously optimistic tone. "We are entering these talks with concrete proposals and a clear goal: to achieve a real and just peace," he said during a briefing in Kyiv. He emphasized that Ukrainian expectations are tied to "tangible results" in reducing military strikes on cities and critical infrastructure.

Analysts note the talks coincide with a reported, temporary reduction in attacks on Kyiv last week—a move the Kremlin described as a "goodwill gesture" to foster negotiations. However, strikes on energy facilities and urban centers elsewhere in Ukraine have persisted, highlighting the stark contrast between diplomatic overtures and ground realities.

Zelensky added that he anticipates a "diplomatically intense" period ahead, with Washington expected to press for de-escalation measures. The U.S. role remains pivotal, following a weekend meeting between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian lead negotiator Kirill Dmitriev in Miami, suggesting backchannel coordination continues alongside formal talks.

Despite the diplomatic movement, observers warn against premature optimism. The fundamental divides over territory and security guarantees remain vast, and past negotiations have often foundered. The Abu Dhabi talks are widely seen as an exploratory phase, with success likely measured in small, incremental steps rather than a breakthrough.

Voices from the Ground

Mikhail Voronin, Political Analyst (Moscow): "These talks are a necessary process, but expectations should be tempered. Russia has stated its security concerns must be addressed, and that requires compromise from all sides. The venue in the UAE provides a neutral setting, which is constructive."

Anya Kovalenko, School Teacher (Kyiv): "Every time they talk, we hope maybe the shelling will stop for good. But we've been disappointed before. My children sleep in the basement most nights. We need action, not just more meetings."

James Thorne, Former Diplomat (Washington, D.C.): "The inclusion of the U.S. at the table is significant. It signals sustained Western engagement. However, the leverage points are military and economic, not just diplomatic. The talks will be judged by whether they lead to a genuine reduction in violence."

Klara Schmidt, NGO Director (Berlin): "This is a farce while civilians freeze and die. Negotiating without a full ceasefire is like discussing fire safety while the building burns. The so-called 'pause' in Kyiv was a cynical PR move, not peacemaking."