Representatives from Russia, Ukraine and the United States have concluded two days of trilateral discussions in Abu Dhabi, with officials indicating the talks produced limited but tangible outcomes.
According to Russia’s TASS news agency, the negotiations ended without an immediate agreement to continue talks in the same format, although an unnamed source described the discussions as yielding “some results.” Footage published by RIA Novosti showed members of the Russian delegation returning to their hotel following the final session.
Despite the pause, further talks may be imminent. Axios reporter Barak Ravid said sources indicated another round could take place in the United Arab Emirates as early as next week. He later reported that a US official confirmed a follow-up meeting had been scheduled for February 1. Ukrainian officials reportedly characterised the discussions as “positive.”
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky also confirmed that additional talks could occur soon, saying discussions had focused on possible frameworks to end the conflict. In a statement, he welcomed what he described as recognition of the need for American monitoring and oversight as part of any resolution.
The Abu Dhabi meeting marked the first time Russia, Ukraine and the US have met together in a trilateral format since the conflict escalated in February 2022. None of the delegations issued formal statements immediately after the talks concluded.
Russia’s delegation was led by presidential aide Yury Ushakov and Admiral Igor Kostyukov, head of Russia’s military intelligence. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said beforehand that Moscow would prioritise security-related issues during the discussions.
All three parties have acknowledged that territorial disputes remain the central barrier to a peace agreement. Russia continues to demand Ukraine withdraw forces from regions it claims to have incorporated, along with formal recognition of new borders. Kiev has consistently rejected those demands, ruling out territorial concessions.
