A new date for peace negotiations
The Kremlin announced on Monday the postponement of the anticipated trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, which were scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi, confirming that they will now take place on Wednesday and Thursday. This announcement has renewed hopes for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing war, which has entered its third year.
In a statement to reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov explained that the postponement was necessary for “further coordination of the three parties’ schedules,” confirming that “the second round will be held on Wednesday and Thursday in Abu Dhabi. We can confirm this.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously indicated the new date, reflecting high-level coordination among the parties involved despite the ongoing fighting on the ground.
Background of the conflict and previous negotiation efforts
These talks have their roots in the conflict that erupted with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2012, which constituted a major escalation of the conflict that had been ongoing since 2014. Since the beginning of the invasion, diplomatic efforts have gone through different phases, with initial rounds of negotiations held in Belarus and Turkey during the first weeks of the war, but these did not produce tangible results due to the wide divergence of positions between Moscow and Kyiv.
This new round of talks follows an initial round also hosted by the UAE capital on January 23 and 24, which ended without any significant diplomatic breakthrough. However, the very continuation of these meetings indicates that communication channels remain open and that there is a willingness to explore possible solutions.
The importance of conversations and their potential impact
The Abu Dhabi talks are particularly significant for several reasons. First, the direct involvement of the United States reflects an international recognition that resolving this conflict requires the engagement of major powers. Second, the choice of the United Arab Emirates as the meeting venue highlights its growing role as a neutral mediator in international conflicts, having previously facilitated prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine.
The talks are expected to focus on the most sensitive issues, primarily the question of the Russian-controlled territories in eastern and southern Ukraine. While Ukraine adheres to President Zelensky's "peace formula," which calls for a complete Russian withdrawal, Moscow insists on recognition of the "new reality on the ground." Any progress in this round, even partial, could pave the way for a ceasefire and alleviate the humanitarian crisis that has displaced millions and devastated Ukrainian infrastructure. It would also have a positive impact on the stability of global energy and food markets.
