Trilateral Peace Negotiations Between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States Commence in Abu Dhabi

On Friday, January 23, 2026, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, became the focal point of international diplomacy as it hosted the inaugural official round of two-day trilateral negotiations involving high-level delegations from Ukraine, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America. This landmark event signifies a critical transition from preliminary, fragmented discussions toward a structured, direct dialogue between all three primary stakeholders. According to a statement from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the selection of Abu Dhabi as the venue reflects the international community's growing confidence in the Emirates' established role as a neutral and effective mediator on the global stage.

The current negotiations are being conducted under the auspices of a specialized working group focused on security issues, which underscores the paramount importance of military arrangements and security guarantees in resolving the conflict that has persisted since February 2022. This diplomatic breakthrough was preceded by several high-stakes meetings. On the night of January 22, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin held what aide Yuri Ushakov described as "exceptionally substantive" consultations in Moscow with American envoys Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Simultaneously, on January 22, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Davos, characterizing the exchange as "productive and meaningful" and suggesting that a peace agreement involving American security guarantees is nearly finalized.

Despite the renewed diplomatic momentum, the fundamental disagreement regarding territorial control remains the most significant hurdle to a lasting peace. Representing the Russian position, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has reiterated that the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the entire Donbas region is a non-negotiable prerequisite for any enduring settlement, citing the requirements of the "Anchorage formula." Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov further reinforced this stance, asserting that a long-term resolution is unattainable without addressing territorial claims through the specific lens of this framework, which remains a core demand of the Russian side.

The high-ranking composition of the respective delegations underscores the gravity of the matters being deliberated in Abu Dhabi. The Ukrainian team is led by Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, and includes Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Office of the President, alongside the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Andrii Hnatov. The Russian delegation is headed by Admiral Igor Kostyukov, Chief of the GRU, accompanied by Kirill Dmitriev, the special representative for investment and economic cooperation. Representing the United States are envoys Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as well as Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll. Notably, a separate bilateral session focusing on economic interests is scheduled between Witkoff and Dmitriev, indicating the multifaceted and complex nature of the ongoing peace process.

As of the beginning of 2026, the Russian Federation maintains control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, a factor that weighs heavily on the negotiation process. The United Arab Emirates, confirmed as the host by Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, brings significant experience to the table, having previously facilitated 17 prisoner exchanges resulting in the release of 4,641 individuals. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has extended his formal wishes for the success of the delegations, expressing hope that these talks will lead to a breakthrough that ensures long-term regional stability and peace.