Delegations from Ukraine, the United States, and Russia commenced a second round of trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2026, marking a critical diplomatic effort to address escalating military tensions. Ukraine’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov confirmed the talks via social media, stating that working groups would first address specific issues before synchronizing positions collectively.
The discussions follow mutual accusations of aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia on Tuesday of violating a U.S.-brokered “energy-truce” by launching a “record number of ballistic missiles.” Meanwhile, Alexander Bogomaz, governor of Russia’s Bryansk region bordering Ukraine, alleged a coordinated Ukrainian attack using HIMARS rockets, drones, and Neptune missiles earlier this week.
Analysts note the UAE’s role as a neutral mediator reflects its growing influence in global diplomacy. While no immediate breakthroughs are expected, observers highlight the talks as a rare channel for dialogue amid heightened regional instability.
