Second round of Ukraine peace talks begins in Abu Dhabi

Diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war have resumed with a second round of trilateral talks in the United Arab Emirates. Officials from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States gathered in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, seeking pathways to a potential settlement as the conflict approaches its fifth year.

Delegations Arrive in the UAE

According to Russian state media, a plane carrying the Russian delegation, reportedly led by Igor Kostyukov of the Main Intelligence Directorate, landed in Abu Dhabi early Wednesday. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff also arrived, following a stop in Israel for discussions on Iran. Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne confirmed the arrival of Kyiv's negotiating team in the Emirati capital.

Ukrainian Preparation and Objectives

Ahead of the talks, Ukraine's chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, stated on Telegram that the delegation had received clear directives from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "Our task is to achieve a just and lasting peace that will create the foundation for Ukraine’s safe reconstruction and economic recovery," Umerov wrote, noting that separate bilateral negotiations with the US side would also take place.

Context of Ongoing Diplomacy

This two-day meeting follows an initial round of consultations held in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24, which featured the same senior negotiators. The renewed dialogue occurs amidst a fragile battlefield situation and continued international calls for a diplomatic resolution, though significant obstacles to a comprehensive peace agreement remain.