Ukraine and Russia Hold Second Day of Direct Talks in Abu Dhabi Under US Peace Plan
Negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are meeting in Abu Dhabi on Saturday for a second consecutive day of direct discussions centered on a peace proposal backed by US President Donald Trump, aimed at ending the nearly four-year-long war in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, confirmed that initial talks held on Friday focused on defining the framework for ending what Kyiv describes as Russia’s war and outlining the future direction of negotiations. These discussions marked the first known face-to-face engagement between Ukrainian and Russian officials on the Trump administration’s proposal.
According to diplomatic sources, the US draft plan has drawn criticism from multiple sides. Ukrainian and Western European officials objected to early versions that appeared to align closely with Moscow’s demands, while Russian officials later pushed back against proposals involving potential European peacekeepers.
The status of the eastern Donbas region remains one of the most contentious issues. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Moscow expects Ukrainian forces to withdraw from the region, calling it a “very important condition.” Kyiv has firmly rejected this demand, noting it still controls roughly 20 percent of the area.
The UAE Foreign Ministry said the Abu Dhabi talks are scheduled to last two days and are part of ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the conflict.
The negotiations come amid continued fighting. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported fresh overnight Russian strikes on the capital, while Ukrainian authorities said attacks also hit Kharkiv, leaving civilians injured and thousands without heating during sub-zero temperatures.
Why it matters now:
With diplomacy accelerating but battlefield violence continuing, the Abu Dhabi talks could shape the direction of future negotiations or signal deeper deadlock over territory and security guarantees.
Published on Chatzyr.net
Written By Editorial Desk | Team Chatzyr
