Russian and Ukrainian Delegations Hold Second Day of Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi

Delegations from Russia and Ukraine have held a second consecutive day of U.S.-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi to explore ways to end the nearly five-year war. Hopes remain low for an immediate breakthrough during these discussions, which mark the first meeting between the two sides in nine months. Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, confirmed the resumption of negotiations on social media.

Discussions

The envoys previously met for four hours in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The talks are mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the initial session as constructive and focused largely on humanitarian issues. These topics included potential prisoner exchanges, the return of captive Ukrainian civilians, and displaced children, alongside discussions on security guarantees.

Diplomatic Contacts

Wednesday's schedule began with trilateral meetings involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. Following this session, the Ukrainian delegation held consultations with European officials, the European Union, and NATO representatives who were also present in Abu Dhabi. Moscow opposes the direct involvement of European countries in the core negotiations. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the meetings productive while noting that achieving a stop to the conflict will take time.

Context

These negotiations take place as fighting continues along the front lines and both nations engage in long-range missile and drone strikes. Russia's economy faces heavy strain, and Ukraine deals with severe damage to its power infrastructure from aerial attacks. The current diplomatic push also occurs against the backdrop of shifting political dynamics in the United States, with Democrats set to take over Congress in January following midterm elections.