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TL;DR: Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia will hold trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi Feb. 4–5 as Kyiv signals readiness for substantive negotiations on a durable, dignified settlement. Key agenda items include an energy-focused ceasefire and control of Donbas — with Russia demanding full cession of Donetsk and Luhansk (including unoccupied areas) and Ukraine rejecting those terms — following recent U.S.-Russia and trilateral meetings. Ongoing Russian strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure, and mixed ceasefire signals (including a one-week pause request by Donald Trump and a limited Russian proposal through Feb. 1), highlight how active hostilities complicate the diplomatic push.
Upcoming Talks Scheduled in Abu Dhabi
Ukraine, the United States, and Russia are set to convene in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 4–5 for a new round of peace negotiations, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The talks are intended to continue diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war and follow earlier meetings held in the United Arab Emirates. Zelensky said Ukraine is prepared for a substantive dialogue focused on achieving a durable and dignified resolution to the conflict.
Format and Timing Uncertainty
Zelensky’s announcement came after uncertainty over whether talks initially planned for Feb. 1 would proceed and whether they would be conducted bilaterally between Kyiv and Moscow or in a trilateral format including Washington. The confirmation of dates and location clarified that the next round would involve all three parties, continuing the framework used in previous discussions.
Recent Diplomatic Engagements
Diplomatic activity intensified in the days preceding the announcement. On Jan. 31, Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev met with U.S. officials in Miami, including U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. These discussions followed a prior two-day meeting among Ukrainian, U.S., and Russian representatives that concluded in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 24, indicating sustained engagement despite ongoing hostilities.
Key Issues on the Agenda
Negotiations are expected to focus on a potential energy ceasefire and territorial control in eastern Ukraine, particularly the Donbas region. Russia has consistently demanded that Ukraine cede the entirety of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, including areas not currently under Russian occupation, as a precondition for any peace agreement. Kyiv has rejected these demands, maintaining its position on territorial integrity under international law.
Energy Infrastructure and Ceasefire Proposals
The talks come amid continued pressure on Ukraine’s energy system following repeated Russian strikes. On Jan. 29, U.S. President Donald Trump said he had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt attacks on Ukrainian cities for one week. Russian officials responded the following day that any pause would apply only to Kyiv and would last until Feb. 1.
Ongoing Attacks and Civilian Impact
Despite discussions of limited restraint, Russian attacks have continued against civilian infrastructure in other Ukrainian cities in recent days, resulting in casualties. The persistence of strikes underscores the challenges facing negotiators as diplomatic efforts proceed alongside active military operations.
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