U.S.-brokered peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators began in Abu Dhabi as both sides seek a potential pathway to slow or end the ongoing war in Ukraine. The talks, which started on February 4, 2026, bring together senior officials and advisors from both countries under the mediation of the United States, marking one of the most high-profile diplomatic efforts since the conflict escalated in 2022.
Officials said the negotiations aim to establish a framework for ceasefire arrangements, humanitarian corridors, and eventual steps toward a more comprehensive resolution. U.S. diplomats have emphasized that the talks are intended to create space for dialogue and reduce the human cost of the conflict, which has left millions displaced and caused widespread destruction across Ukraine.
Representatives from Ukraine, including Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and from Russia, including Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko, attended the initial meetings. Sources close to the negotiations said discussions have so far focused on immediate ceasefire enforcement, prisoner exchanges, and the establishment of safe zones for civilians.
The Abu Dhabi talks follow weeks of shuttle diplomacy by U.S. officials seeking to bring both sides to the negotiating table amid a protracted conflict that has drawn international concern. Analysts note that while the talks may not produce an immediate peace agreement, they could lay the groundwork for incremental reductions in hostilities and open channels for future dialogue.
International observers, including representatives from the United Nations and the European Union, have called for continued support for the negotiations and stressed the importance of humanitarian aid in conflict-affected regions. The outcome of the Abu Dhabi talks could influence the broader geopolitical landscape in Europe and shape the trajectory of the war in the coming months.
