Trilateral Ukraine-Russia-US Peace Summit Rescheduled for February 4-5 in Abu Dhabi

The diplomatic landscape surrounding the resolution of the protracted conflict in Ukraine is shifting as high-level trilateral negotiations involving Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington have been officially rescheduled. Originally anticipated for February 1, the talks are now set to take place on February 4 and 5, 2026. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared this update via the social media platform X on February 1, suggesting that the adjustment might stem from logistical requirements or the need for more intensive preparation following earlier high-stakes discussions.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, will once again serve as the neutral ground for these critical consultations. This follows the precedent set during the inaugural round of direct contact between Russian and Ukrainian representatives, mediated by the United States, which occurred on January 23 and 24, 2026. President Zelenskyy has signaled Ukraine's readiness for a "substantive dialogue," emphasizing a commitment to achieving a result that facilitates a "real and dignified conclusion to the war." On the Russian side, Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, previously described the January meetings as "constructive" on January 29, 2026, noting a professional atmosphere among all participants.

Despite the cautiously optimistic tone of previous meetings, the core issue of territorial sovereignty—specifically regarding the Donbas region—remains the most formidable barrier to a comprehensive peace treaty. While formal summit preparations continue, secondary diplomatic channels between Moscow and Washington have remained remarkably active. On Saturday, January 31, 2026, a bilateral meeting took place in Florida between White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). Witkoff characterized the exchange as "productive and constructive," highlighting a perceived willingness from the Russian side to engage in peace-building efforts. The American delegation in Florida was notably high-profile, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, presidential advisor Jared Kushner, and White House advisor Josh Gruenbaum.

The broader peace framework, which initially launched in Abu Dhabi on January 23, is part of an extensive initiative spearheaded by the United States. Negotiators are grappling with complex issues such as the demarcation of borders, the establishment of demilitarized buffer zones along the current line of contact, and the implementation of robust ceasefire monitoring mechanisms alongside European security guarantees. A significant component of the discussions involves a proposed "energy truce," which would see a cessation of strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in exchange for a halt on attacks against Russian oil tankers and refineries. Amidst these delicate maneuvers, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reiterated its warning that the ongoing hostilities represent a severe global threat to nuclear safety.

Since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, the war has dominated the global agenda, with international efforts now laser-focused on de-escalation. However, as Russian representative Yuri Ushakov pointed out, the lack of a breakthrough on territorial disputes continues to fuel regional tensions. While U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed public optimism regarding the proximity of a peace agreement, his envoy, Steve Witkoff, clarified that any immediate accord would likely serve only as a "first step" toward a sustainable, long-term resolution. Some analysts suggest the three-day delay from February 1 to February 4-5 may be linked to rising geopolitical friction between the United States and Iran at the end of January. Nevertheless, the diplomatic track remains the primary avenue for transitioning from active combat to a lasting cessation of hostilities.