Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised two days of talks in Abu Dhabi among Ukrainian, Russian and U.S. delegations aimed at a peaceful settlement.
“We covered a lot, and it’s important the conversations were constructive,” he wrote on social media on Saturday, January 24, after a briefing from Kyiv’s representatives.
Zelensky said discussions focused on possible parameters to end the war and the security guarantees Ukraine would need to make that possible. The delegations plan to coordinate next steps with their national leadership, and set the agenda for the next meeting. “If there’s readiness to move forward — and Ukraine is ready — the next meetings will take place, potentially as soon as next week,” Zelensky added.
“Authorized officials in the capitals” will announce the outcome of the three-way talks, TASS reported, citing a source. The meeting featured direct engagement between the sides and unfolded in a positive, constructive atmosphere, a UAE government representative said.
The White House was also satisfied with the course of the talks, NBC reported, citing U.S. administration sources. The next round could take place in Abu Dhabi next week. Axios reported that control over territories in eastern Ukraine was among the key topics.
The second round of talks between representatives of Russia and Ukraine, mediated by the United States and aimed at ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, took place in Abu Dhabi on January 24. The nearly three-hour discussion was held behind closed doors. The first meeting was held a day earlier.
Ukraine’s delegation was led by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov. Among others, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov also took part. Russia was represented by Defense Ministry officials led by Igor Kostyukov, chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff. The U.S. delegation included Steven Witkoff, special envoy of President Donald Trump, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Representatives of the three countries held direct consultations on the U.S. peace plan for the first time since the war began. Shortly before the talks began, Moscow reaffirmed its maximal demand that Ukrainian forces withdraw from all of Donbas, including areas not previously under Russian control. Ukraine categorically refuses to do so. After the first day of talks, Russia launched another large-scale attack on Ukraine. Kyiv said the missiles also targeted the peace process.
