Ukraine Heads to UAE for Second Trilateral Peace Talks
Zelenskyy Confirms Delegation Departure
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday that his country’s negotiating team is traveling to the United Arab Emirates to participate in the second round of trilateral talks with Moscow and Washington later this week.
In a late-evening video address, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is working closely with the United States to ensure that “real decisions for the sake of peace can be scaled up” as the Russia-Ukraine conflict approaches its fifth year.
Talks Scheduled for Midweek
The Ukrainian delegation will meet with Moscow and Washington on Wednesday and Thursday, Zelenskyy said. In addition to the trilateral format, Kyiv will hold a bilateral session with the United States.
“There are issues to be agreed upon, and substantial matters that require further work,” he noted, highlighting Ukraine’s readiness regarding security guarantees. Both Kyiv and Washington are actively discussing post-war recovery and development plans for Ukraine.
Emphasis on US Support and Dialogue
Zelenskyy stressed the importance of US support for dialogue and urged the United States to work with Russia to ensure that strikes and other acts of aggression do not undermine progress.
“During this time, it is essential that all opportunities for dialogue are pursued decisively,” he said.
Background: First Round and De-escalation
The first round of trilateral talks took place in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24. Kyiv and Washington described the discussions as constructive, while Moscow acknowledged progress but said “significant work” remains.
Earlier Monday, Zelenskyy met with Ukraine’s negotiating team to approve frameworks for the talks and set specific tasks. He stated via X (formerly Twitter) that Ukraine is ready for meaningful steps toward a “dignified and lasting peace.”
He also referenced de-escalation measures that began last Thursday night, including an energy ceasefire following a request by US President Donald Trump for Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt strikes during cold weather. Zelenskyy said these measures are helping build public trust in the negotiation process.
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