KEY POINTS
- Ukraine, Russia and US conclude second round of Abu Dhabi talks.
- Further trilateral talks scheduled to continue next week.
- Zelensky says “a lot” was discussed in “constructive” talks with Russia
- UAE says discussions held in a “constructive and positive atmosphere”.
- Russia insists Ukraine withdraw from eastern Donbas region.
ABU DHABI: Negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the United States on Saturday concluded a second round of trilateral talks in the United Arab Emirates aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, according to media reports.
A spokeswoman for Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, confirmed that the talks had ended.
“Yes,” Diana Davitian told journalists when asked whether the meeting in Abu Dhabi had concluded.
Russian state news agencies reported that the Russian delegation returned to its hotel, while the US delegation headed to the airport.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that “a lot” was discussed in the “constructive” US-brokered talks with Russia. He said that the next round of talks potentially expected “next week.”
“A lot was discussed, and it is important that the conversations were constructive,” the Ukrainian said on social media after the talks concluded.
“Provided there is readiness to move forward — and Ukraine is ready — further meetings will take place, potentially as early as next week,” he added.
Talks to continue next week
Further trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the US to halt the war will continue in Abu Dhabi next week, a source with knowledge of the discussions told AFP on Saturday.
The source, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of talks, confirmed they would continue after an Emirati government spokesperson said a second round of negotiations between the parties had been held in a “constructive and positive atmosphere”.
A UAE government spokesperson said the second round of talks was held in a “constructive and positive atmosphere” and involved direct engagement between Russian and Ukrainian officials.
The spokesperson said discussions focused on “outstanding elements” of a US-proposed peace framework, without providing details.
Focus on ending the war
Ahead of the talks, Umerov said the discussions centred on “the parameters for ending Russia’s war and the further logic of the negotiation process”.
The war, now approaching its fourth year, has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions and caused widespread destruction across Ukraine.
An initial US draft proposal has drawn criticism in Ukraine and parts of western Europe for appearing to align too closely with Russia’s position.
Later versions reportedly prompted concern in Moscow after floating the idea of European peacekeepers.
Russia open to more dialogue
Russia’s foreign ministry said Moscow was open to further talks with Ukraine following the Abu Dhabi meeting, according to comments cited by Reuters.
A source quoted by Russia’s TASS news agency said the talks produced some results, but did not elaborate.
However, the Kremlin reiterated its position on territory. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia still demands that Ukrainian forces withdraw from the eastern Donbas region.
“This is a very important condition,” he said.
Ukraine has rejected the demand. Kyiv claims that Ukraine still controls around 20 per cent of the eastern region.
Key sticking point in talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday said territory remains a central issue in any settlement.
In a post, he said peace would require genuine willingness from both sides.
“It is necessary that not only Ukraine has the desire to end the war and achieve full security, but that a similar desire somehow emerges in Russia as well,” he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said Moscow will seek full control of eastern Ukraine by force if negotiations fail.
Diplomacy amid continued fighting
The Abu Dhabi talks followed high-level diplomatic activity earlier this week.
Zelensky met US President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, while US envoy Steve Witkoff later held talks with Putin in Moscow.
Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting has continued. Russian strikes overnight killed one person and injured 22 others in Kyiv and the northeastern city of Kharkiv, Ukrainian authorities said.
Thousands of residents in Kyiv were left without heating in sub-zero temperatures after attacks on energy infrastructure, Al Jazeera reported.
The European Union accused Russia of deliberately depriving civilians of heat.
Air defence support for Ukraine
Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko urged allies to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences following the latest strikes.
“Each wave of Russian strikes against our energy system reinforces a simple reality: delays in strengthening Ukraine’s air defences cost lives,” she said.
She said Ukraine was counting on decisive support from its partners, particularly for air defence systems and interceptors.
