U.S., Russia, Ukraine Resume Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi

Negotiating teams from the United States, Russia and Ukraine sat down together in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, restarting three-way diplomacy over the war after a nine-month gap. The gathering in the United Arab Emirates marks the first time since February that all three governments have met in the same format, according to reports from BBC World, Axios and DW.

American officials offered a measured but positive read on the opening session, saying both Moscow and Kyiv have demonstrated “some flexibility” at the table. A day earlier, on Monday, U.S. officials characterized the White House’s posture toward the negotiations as cautiously hopeful, Axios reported.

Each of the three capitals dispatched its own delegation to the UAE for the round. U.S. officials said the discussions are expected to carry on in Abu Dhabi through the week, though the material available does not specify who is leading each delegation, what agenda items are under discussion, or whether any preliminary agreements have been reached.

The context

Tuesday’s session ends a long dry spell in direct trilateral contact among Washington, Moscow and Kyiv. The last meeting in this three-government format took place in February, roughly nine months before the Abu Dhabi round. Why the earlier talks stalled, and what prompted the parties to return to the table now, is not addressed in the available reporting. The choice of the United Arab Emirates as host places the negotiations on neutral ground outside Europe. The war between Russia and Ukraine has been described as the longest major European conflict since World War II, and previous diplomatic efforts had not produced a settlement before this pause in trilateral engagement.

Why it matters

A resumption of direct three-party negotiations opens the first structured channel in nine months for the governments most central to ending the war. The U.S. assessment that both sides are showing “some flexibility” suggests positions may be shifting, though officials have not said on which issues. The outcome carries consequences for Ukraine’s territory and security, Russia’s standing, and American foreign policy, including commitments tied to NATO. Any movement toward a settlement would affect the course of the largest European conflict since World War II.

What’s next

U.S. officials said the talks are expected to continue in Abu Dhabi this week. Key open questions include what specific concessions, if any, either side is weighing, whether the sessions produce a joint statement or framework, and whether leaders Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin will become directly involved. No schedule beyond this week’s sessions has been announced.