US Russia Ukraine talks held in Abu Dhabi have been difficult, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday, as Kyiv presses for quicker progress toward ending Russia’s invasion. The negotiations, brokered by the United States, come as the war approaches its fourth year and humanitarian issues remain unresolved.
Speaking in Kyiv, Zelensky said Ukraine remained committed to a constructive approach despite the challenges. He stressed that Kyiv’s priority is tangible results, including steps that reduce the intensity of the conflict and address the fate of prisoners of war.
The talks brought together delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States over two days in the United Arab Emirates, reflecting continued international efforts to facilitate dialogue between the warring sides.
Zelensky says negotiations remain challenging
Zelensky described the US Russia Ukraine talks as complex and demanding, noting that progress has been slower than Kyiv would like.
“It is certainly not easy, but Ukraine has been and will remain as constructive as possible,” Zelensky told a press conference alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Kyiv. He added that Ukraine wants “faster results” from the discussions.
The Ukrainian president did not provide details on the substance of the negotiations, but his comments indicated frustration with the pace of movement toward concrete outcomes. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly said that any talks must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Talks conclude after two days in Abu Dhabi
The US Russia Ukraine talks concluded on Thursday after a second day of meetings in Abu Dhabi, according to Ukrainian officials.
“The negotiations have concluded,” Diana Davitian, spokeswoman for Ukraine’s top negotiator Rustem Umerov, told journalists in Kyiv. She did not elaborate on the agreements reached or the next steps in the process.
The talks were part of a US-led diplomatic effort to maintain communication channels between Kyiv and Moscow. While no comprehensive breakthrough was announced, the discussions were seen as a continuation of previous contacts aimed at confidence-building measures.
Focus on humanitarian measures
One of the key areas discussed during the Abu Dhabi meetings was humanitarian cooperation, particularly the issue of prisoners of war. Both sides have previously carried out limited exchanges, often mediated by third parties.
According to Ukrainian officials, humanitarian steps are viewed as essential confidence-building measures that could pave the way for broader discussions in the future.
Prisoner exchange expected soon
Zelensky said earlier on Wednesday that Ukraine expects a new prisoner exchange with Russia in the near future. His comments came as the Abu Dhabi talks were wrapping up.
“There will also be a significant step. We expect a prisoner-of-war exchange in the near future. We need to bring our captives home,” Zelensky said in his daily address.
For Ukraine, the return of prisoners remains a sensitive domestic issue, with families of captured soldiers pressing the government for progress. Kyiv has consistently raised the issue in international forums and during negotiations with Moscow.
Why prisoner swaps matter
Prisoner exchanges have been among the few areas where Ukraine and Russia have managed to reach practical agreements since the start of the war. These swaps:
Reduce humanitarian suffering for detainees and their families
Help maintain limited dialogue between the two sides
Serve as initial steps toward broader confidence-building
However, Ukrainian officials stress that such measures do not replace the need for a comprehensive resolution to the conflict.
Regional and international context
The Abu Dhabi talks took place against a backdrop of continued fighting and diplomatic maneuvering. The United States has positioned itself as a key intermediary, while countries in the region, including the United Arab Emirates, have offered venues for dialogue.
For Iraq and the wider Middle East, the continuation of the Ukraine Russia war has implications for global energy markets, food prices, and international diplomacy. Iraqi observers closely follow developments that could affect oil markets and geopolitical alignments.
Key points from the Abu Dhabi talks
Negotiations involved Ukrainian, Russian, and US delegations
Talks lasted two days and ended on Thursday
Zelensky described discussions as difficult but necessary
A prisoner exchange is expected in the near future
Conclusion:
While the US Russia Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi did not deliver immediate breakthroughs, Ukrainian officials say dialogue remains necessary. Zelensky’s remarks underline Kyiv’s desire for faster, concrete steps, particularly on humanitarian issues such as prisoner exchanges, as diplomatic efforts to address Russia’s invasion continue.
