Ukraine delegation heading to UAE for second round of peace talks, Zelenskyy says

Ukraine delegation heading to UAE for second round of peace talks, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends a press conference in Vilnius, Lithuania, 25 January, 2026.
Reuters

Ukraine’s negotiating team is heading to the United Arab Emirates for a second round of trilateral peace talks with Russia and the U.S., President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said late Monday.

The talks, expected on Wednesday and Thursday, will include both trilateral meetings and separate bilateral discussions between Kyiv and Washington.

“There are issues to be agreed upon. There is substance that requires further work,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine is ready on security guarantees and is actively working with the U.S. on post-war recovery and development.

Zelenskyy urged Washington to continue supporting dialogue and to engage Moscow so that Russian strikes do not derail diplomatic efforts.

The first round of trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the U.S. took place in Abu Dhabi on January 23–24. Kyiv and Washington described the consultations as constructive, while Moscow said discussions had begun positively but with significant work ahead.

Earlier Monday, Zelenskyy said he approved negotiation frameworks and assigned specific tasks to Ukraine’s delegation, stressing that Kyiv is ready for “real steps” toward a dignified and lasting peace.

He also pointed to recent de-escalation measures, including an energy ceasefire that followed a request by Donald Trump to Vladimir Putin, as helping to build public confidence in the negotiation process.

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