Second Round of US-Mediated Peace Talks Commences in Abu Dhabi Amid Escalating Energy Infrastructure Attacks

On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the second phase of trilateral consultations began in Abu Dhabi under the mediation of the United States. These high-level discussions are aimed at finding a diplomatic resolution to the protracted conflict that has persisted since February 2022. However, the two-day summit, scheduled for February 4–5, was immediately cast into doubt following a massive Russian offensive against Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure. This sudden escalation has led the Ukrainian leadership to openly question the sincerity of Moscow’s commitment to the ongoing diplomatic process.

The military escalation occurred on the night of February 3, just hours before the diplomatic teams were set to convene. Russia launched a coordinated wave of drone and missile strikes targeting power generation and distribution facilities across eight different regions. These attacks resulted in widespread heating and electricity outages at a time when temperatures had plummeted to a frigid minus 25 degrees Celsius. DTEK, Ukraine's primary energy provider, confirmed that this was the most significant assault on the national power grid since the start of 2026. In response, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the strikes prove Moscow is not serious about a peaceful settlement, prompting him to announce a strategic shift for the Ukrainian negotiating team. This development follows the expiration of the "energy truce" on February 1, an initiative previously brokered by the Trump administration.

Geopolitical tensions remain high as the Russian Federation currently maintains control over approximately 20 percent of Ukrainian territory. A central point of contention in these talks remains the status of one-fifth of the Donetsk region. Despite the intensified hostilities on the energy front, the diplomatic initiative launched by the Trump administration after an initial January meeting has proceeded. The Ukrainian delegation is led by Rustem Umerov, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) and former Minister of Defense until July 2025. Representing the Russian side are Admiral Igor Kostyukov, Director of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), and presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev. The American mediation effort is spearheaded by special envoy Steve Witkoff, with the participation of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of Donald Trump.

Assessments of the negotiations vary wildly, highlighting the extreme fragility of the current diplomatic climate. Following the initial round in January, Steve Witkoff expressed optimism, claiming that significant progress had been achieved. In contrast, the Ukrainian leadership characterized those early consultations as little more than a "show for the public." While Secretary Umerov had previously expressed hope for tangible results regarding prisoner exchanges, the recent military actions have soured the atmosphere. Ukrainian officials suggested that Moscow used the brief pause in hostilities to replenish its missile stockpiles rather than to pursue genuine peace. This sentiment was supported by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during a visit to Kyiv, where he noted that the continued attacks demonstrate Russia's lack of serious intent, regardless of any perceived advancements in the Abu Dhabi dialogue.