Ukraine and Russia resumed U.S. brokered negotiations in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, entering a second day of discussions aimed at ending the war that has dominated Europe’s security landscape for nearly four years.
Ukrainian and Russian officials described the initial meetings as constructive, raising cautious hopes for movement even as major disputes remain unresolved.
The latest Ukraine Russia peace talks Abu Dhabi round reflects renewed diplomatic pressure from Washington to steer both sides toward compromise. Delegations are working through trilateral consultations and smaller group sessions designed to align positions and identify practical steps toward a settlement, according to Ukrainian negotiators.
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Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s chief negotiator, confirmed the talks had resumed, saying officials would continue in the same format used during the opening day. He described earlier discussions as “meaningful and productive, focusing on concrete steps and practical solutions,” signalling Kyiv’s effort to keep dialogue grounded in achievable outcomes.
On the Russian side, presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev said discussions were moving forward, adding that “there is positive movement forward” as contacts continue. His remarks came as Moscow also seeks to improve ties with Washington alongside the negotiations, according to statements released by his office.
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The Ukraine Russia peace talks Abu Dhabi process is unfolding against the backdrop of sustained fighting and deep disagreements over territory. Moscow continues to demand that Kyiv withdraw from parts of the eastern Donetsk region still under Ukrainian control, a condition Kyiv has rejected in previous rounds.
Another contentious issue is the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, which sits in Russian occupied territory and remains central to security and sovereignty concerns. These disputes have limited progress in earlier negotiations despite repeated diplomatic efforts.
U.S. officials have pressed both sides to find common ground, with the talks forming part of a broader push to reduce tensions and move toward a ceasefire framework. The current Ukraine Russia peace talks Abu Dhabi round also includes military representatives, a shift from some earlier discussions that focused primarily on political channels.
Previous trilateral meetings in January ended without a deal but established a structure for continued dialogue, with participants agreeing to reconvene and explore parameters for ending the conflict.