Ukraine and Russia begin second round of US-led peace talks in Abu Dhabi
3 minute readPublished: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 12:31 pm
Second Round of US-Led Peace Talks Begin in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is hosting the second round of US-led peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators, as the United States seeks a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These two-day trilateral discussions commenced on Wednesday, following accusations from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Russia exploited a US-backed energy truce to amass weaponry before launching a barrage of ballistic missile attacks.
Despite renewed diplomatic efforts, the path to a viable peace agreement remains uncertain. Moscow continues to insist on maximalist territorial demands, including Ukraine ceding the entire eastern Donbas region, even areas currently under Ukrainian control. Kyiv has rejected these terms, advocating for a freeze along the existing frontline and ruling out a unilateral withdrawal.
Significant hurdles persist. Russia has stated it will not accept European troops on Ukrainian soil, a condition Kyiv considers vital for credible security guarantees. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte indicated that European allies have committed to deploying forces to Ukraine once a deal is reached, a proposal Russia has rejected.
The Kremlin has maintained a hardline stance, with a spokesperson stating that Russian forces will continue fighting until Kyiv makes decisions that could end the war. Prior to the talks, Kyiv faced a diplomatic setback when former US President Donald Trump declined to condemn Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
The US delegation includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have been involved in various diplomatic efforts. Ukraine's team includes Kyrylo Budanov and Andrii Hnatov. The Russian delegation is led by Igor Kostyukov and includes other senior intelligence officials.
A potential meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy has been discussed, but the Kremlin insists the Ukrainian leader would need to travel to Moscow. In a show of solidarity, Putin held a video call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting the strength of their bilateral ties. China has become a crucial economic partner for Russia, increasing trade and oil purchases amid Western sanctions.
BNN's Perspective:
The ongoing talks in Abu Dhabi represent a critical juncture in the Ukrainian conflict. While the US-led efforts are commendable, the entrenched positions of both sides, particularly Moscow's maximalist demands, present significant challenges. The involvement of key figures from both sides, along with the geopolitical dynamics involving China and the US, underscores the complexity of achieving a lasting peace. A pragmatic approach, acknowledging the realities on the ground while prioritizing the safety and sovereignty of Ukraine, is essential for any potential breakthrough.
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