Russia, US, Ukraine begin formal talks in Abu Dhabi on war

2026-01-25 - 21:05

Formal, high-level talks between delegations from Russia, the United States, and Ukraine have officially opened in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant diplomatic engagement in the search for a path to end the war. Host Nation Confirms Two-Day Schedule The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the start of the negotiations in the capital on Friday. In a statement, the UAE said the discussions are set to continue over a two-day period as part of international efforts "to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis." Reports indicated informal discussions between the parties had preceded the official opening. Context and Diplomatic Backdrop The initiation of these trilateral talks follows an announcement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The talks also come after US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's consultations in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin, prior to his travel to the UAE for these negotiations. A Rare Format for a Protracted Conflict The Abu Dhabi meeting represents a rare instance of direct three-party dialogue at this level since the invasion began. The UAE's role as host underscores its active diplomacy and its positioning as a neutral venue capable of facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties on major global issues.