The second round of trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States is set to take place on February 4 and 5, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, aimed at resolving the nearly four-year-long conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the dates, stating that Ukraine is prepared for substantive discussions and is keen on achieving a real and dignified end to the war. These talks mark a continuation of efforts initiated under the Trump administration, lasting about a year, to bring Russia and Ukraine closer to a peace agreement.

The talks are high-stakes due to the prolonged nature of the conflict and the complex issues surrounding territorial disputes. While both Moscow and Kyiv broadly agree with the US stance that compromise is necessary, disagreements persist regarding the details of a final deal. A critical sticking point is territorial control, especially over the Donbas industrial region in eastern Ukraine, currently under Russian occupation. Whether Russia will retain control over these regions or pull back from areas not fully captured remains unresolved.

The first round of trilateral talks, which concluded on January 24, 2026, saw participation from Ukraine’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov and military intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov, alongside Andrii Hnatov, Davyd Arakhamiia, Sergiy Kyslytsya, and Vadym Skibitskyi. From the Russian side, senior representative Kirill Dmitriev described prior meetings with the US-led peace team in Florida as productive, though no official Russian comment has yet been made on the upcoming discussions.

The Abu Dhabi-hosted talks, facilitated by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, provide a neutral platform for dialogue. They highlight the growing international push to mediate the Ukraine crisis and establish a sustainable framework for peace and conflict resolution. Observers note that while all parties recognise the importance of compromise, territorial integrity and sovereignty concerns continue to fuel tension, making any final agreement challenging.

Zelenskyy’s statement on social media emphasises Ukraine’s commitment to achieving meaningful progress through dialogue. He said, “Ukraine is ready for substantive talks, and we are interested in an outcome that will bring us closer to a real and dignified end to the war.” This reinforces Ukraine’s focus on ensuring that any resolution respects its national sovereignty while addressing international concerns.

Meanwhile, Russian officials have maintained a cautious approach. The lack of an official comment suggests Moscow is carefully weighing its strategy in the lead-up to the Abu Dhabi discussions. Analysts suggest that while US mediation has brought both sides to the table, the territorial dispute over Donbas and other contested areas remains a significant barrier.

The upcoming talks are also symbolic of broader geopolitical dynamics involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine. The US-led initiative has been central in facilitating dialogue and shaping the framework for a potential peace agreement, reflecting longstanding American interests in ensuring regional stability.

The Abu Dhabi venue, chosen for its neutrality, reflects the international community’s role in supporting diplomacy. Hosting such high-profile meetings signals the UAE’s increasing involvement in mediating conflicts of global importance.

Experts believe that if these talks succeed, they could pave the way for a phased withdrawal of Russian forces from contested regions, a formal ceasefire, and the establishment of mechanisms to monitor compliance and ensure long-term stability in Eastern Europe. However, achieving consensus requires careful negotiation on complex issues, including territorial boundaries, governance of disputed regions, and security guarantees.

In conclusion, the trilateral talks scheduled for February 4-5, 2026, in Abu Dhabi represent a critical step toward ending the Ukraine conflict, which has persisted for nearly four years. While differences remain, the presence of all parties at the negotiating table underscores a shared interest in exploring avenues for peace. The international community, led by the US, UAE, Russia, and Ukraine, is watching closely as these discussions may define the future of regional stability, sovereignty issues, and international diplomacy in Eastern Europe.

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