Ukraine, US, and Russia to Hold Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on February 1st that Ukraine, the United States, and Russia are scheduled to meet in Abu Dhabi on February 4th and 5th for a new round of negotiations as part of ongoing efforts to reach a peace agreement.

Zelenskyy's statement was issued amidst uncertainty over whether the talks, initially planned for February 1st, would take place, and whether these discussions would be bilateral between Moscow and Kyiv or in a trilateral format with Washington's participation.

"Ukraine is ready for a substantive discussion, and we are interested in ensuring that the outcome brings us closer to a real and honorable end to the war," the Ukrainian President stated.

The day before, on January 31st, Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev met with US officials, including Special Envoy Steve Vitkov, in Miami. It is worth noting that the previous two-day negotiations between Kyiv, Washington, and Moscow concluded in Abu Dhabi on January 24th.

Negotiation Focus

The negotiations are expected to focus on a potential ceasefire in the energy sector and control over the Donbas region of Ukraine. Russia has long demanded the complete transfer of the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces, including the unoccupied parts, to Russia as a precondition for any peace agreement from Ukraine.

Situation on the Ground and Energy

While Russian attacks have plunged Ukraine's energy system into crisis, US President Donald Trump announced on January 29th that he had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the bombing of Ukrainian cities for one week. Moscow announced the following day that this cessation of attacks would only apply to Kyiv and would last until February 1st.

In recent days, Russia has continued its attacks against civilian infrastructure in other Ukrainian cities, resulting in casualties.