Russia and Ukraine concluded a second day of U.S.-mediated negotiations in Abu Dhabi on January 24, 2026, with no immediate ceasefire agreement but plans to resume discussions on February 1. The talks focused on detailed proposals to end the conflict that has ravaged Ukraine since 2022, according to statements from both delegations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the negotiations as addressing "the possible parameters for ending the war" in a social media update, while a U.S. official present at the talks noted "real granular detail" had been achieved. The anonymous official added: "We saw a lot of respect in the room between the parties because they were really looking to find solutions."
Despite overnight Russian airstrikes disrupting power supplies to over a million Ukrainians during subzero temperatures, the UAE government characterized the atmosphere as "constructive and positive," with discussions covering both peace framework details and confidence-building measures. Washington's peace envoy Steve Witkoff had previously indicated at the World Economic Forum that only one major sticking point remains unresolved.
The upcoming February 1 session marks the third round of trilateral negotiations under the U.S.-brokered process, occurring amid sustained international pressure for resolution. Analysts suggest the accelerated diplomatic timetable reflects growing urgency to stabilize global energy markets and address the conflict's economic ripple effects across Asia and Europe.
