Ukraine Russia war talks entered a second day on Thursday in Abu Dhabi, as Ukrainian and Russian delegations resumed US-mediated negotiations aimed at ending the conflict triggered by Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The discussions come amid continued fighting, Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, and deep disagreements over occupied territory.
The talks are the most visible diplomatic effort so far under US President Donald Trump’s initiative to push both sides toward a negotiated settlement. While officials from Kyiv and Moscow have signaled limited progress, no breakthrough has been announced.
Ukraine’s lead negotiator Rustem Umerov said the format of the talks remained unchanged, involving trilateral consultations with the United States, working groups, and follow-up coordination between delegations.
Officials signal progress but confirm no breakthrough
Umerov said the second day of talks began with continued discussions on what he described as practical and concrete steps. Ukrainian officials characterized the first day as substantive and productive, while stressing that major issues remain unresolved.
Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev told Russian state media that progress was being made and claimed the process was moving in a positive direction. He also accused several European countries of attempting to undermine the negotiations, without naming specific states.
Despite these statements, both sides acknowledged that fundamental disagreements persist, particularly regarding territorial control and security guarantees.
Background to the Abu Dhabi negotiations
The current round of Ukraine Russia war talks follows earlier meetings held in Abu Dhabi on January 23 and 24. These talks marked the first sustained public engagement involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States since the early months of the war.
The conflict is considered Europe’s deadliest since World War II. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed, millions of Ukrainians have been displaced, and large areas of eastern and southern Ukraine have suffered extensive destruction.
On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed that around 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed since the start of the war, one of the few official assessments of military losses provided by either side.
Fighting continues as talks proceed
While negotiations continue in Abu Dhabi, fighting on the ground has not slowed. Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in recent weeks, leaving many areas without electricity during extreme winter conditions.
Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched two missiles and 183 drones overnight, with strikes injuring at least two people in Kyiv. Temperatures in parts of the country have fallen to minus 20 degrees Celsius, worsening the humanitarian impact of power outages.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that military operations would continue until, in his words, the Kyiv authorities made appropriate decisions. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly rejected language suggesting responsibility for ending the war lies with Kyiv.
Key issues under discussion
According to Ukrainian officials, the talks focus on military and political matters linked to a possible ceasefire or freeze in fighting. However, the most contentious issue remains territory.
The main points of disagreement include:
• Russia’s demand that Ukraine withdraw its forces from parts of the Donbas region, including fortified cities with significant natural resources.
• Moscow’s insistence on international recognition of territories seized during the invasion as Russian territory.
• Ukraine’s proposal to freeze the conflict along the current front line without withdrawing its troops.
• Kyiv’s rejection of any agreement that undermines sovereignty or allows future Russian military action.
Russia currently occupies about 20 percent of Ukrainian territory. It claims the Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions as its own and controls parts of other eastern regions. Ukraine still holds roughly one-fifth of Donetsk region and has warned that territorial concessions would encourage further aggression.
US role and international reactions
The United States is acting as the main mediator in the talks. President Trump has dispatched envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner to engage directly with both delegations.
Zelensky said Washington’s role would be decisive, arguing that economic sanctions and military support remain key sources of pressure on Moscow. He stressed that Ukraine would not compromise on sovereignty as part of any deal.
European governments have expressed concern that they are being sidelined. France and Britain are reportedly discussing options for a peacekeeping force that could be deployed to Ukraine following any agreement. The European Union’s ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, said it was strategically important for Europe to eventually be included in the negotiations.
Public sentiment in Ukraine and Russia
Reactions among civilians remain mixed. In Ukraine, some residents expressed skepticism about the talks, questioning whether Moscow is serious about ending the war. Others said negotiations were necessary but warned against false expectations.
In Russia, some citizens voiced cautious optimism, saying the conflict had lasted too long and that a negotiated end was overdue.
Conclusion:
As the second day of Ukraine Russia war talks continues in Abu Dhabi, diplomatic engagement is proceeding alongside ongoing military operations. While both sides have acknowledged limited progress, deep divisions over territory, security, and sovereignty continue to block a comprehensive agreement.
