New Abu Dhabi talks set for 4-5 February as Ukraine seeks “real and dignified” end to war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the next round of trilateral negotiations will take place on 4-5 February in Abu Dhabi, following a report from Ukraine's negotiating team.

"Ukraine is ready for substantive talks, and we are interested in achieving a result that brings us closer to a real and dignified end to the war," Zelenskyy said. He thanked all those assisting with the diplomatic process.

Talks follow previous Abu Dhabi round

The upcoming meetings will continue the US-mediated trilateral format that began in late January, bringing together Ukrainian, American, and Russian delegations in the United Arab Emirates. The previous round produced limited concrete results, with Russia invoking what it called the "Anchorage formula" - a reference that left observers puzzled.

Throughout the negotiations, Kyiv has maintained that any peace deal must respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for "clear feedback from Russia on whether they are ready to end the war on real terms."

Russia continues attacks amid diplomatic push

The diplomatic efforts come against the backdrop of relentless Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. Moscow has launched thousands of drones, missiles, and guided bombs at Ukraine's energy grid, railways, and civilian areas in January alone - attacks that Zelenskyy has cited as evidence that Russia is "not choosing diplomacy, but destruction of life."

Western officials and Ukrainian analysts have accused the Kremlin of using negotiations as cover while pressing its military offensive. Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba warned in January that 2026 would be dominated not by genuine negotiations, but by an imitation of diplomacy.

The US' Trump administration has been pushing for a negotiated settlement since taking office, holding separate talks with both Kyiv and Moscow before establishing the current trilateral format.