The second trilateral round of talks on Ukraine, mediated by the United States, are being held in United Arab Emirates, after the last one that took place last January.

Direct negotiations between Moscow, Kiev and Washington on the resolution of the 4-year conflict around Ukraine have started in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital, Abu Dhabi, on February 4.

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“The process of negotiations began in a trilateral format: Ukraine, United States and Russia. Then work will continue in groups separated by areas, after which a new joint synchronization of positions is planned”, wrote the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Rustem Umérov on his social networks.

Closed Round and Security Agenda

The second round of tripartite talks is being unfold over two days -February 4 and 5- and behind closed doors, without a subsequent press conference, as reported by Russian agencies. This format underscores the sensitive nature of the dialogue, aimed at exploring avenues for understanding away from media scrutiny.

The Russian delegation’s composition is led by Igor Kostiukov, head of the General Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, and includes representatives from the Ministry of Defense.

The Ukrainian representatives are led by the head of the Security Council, Rustem Umerov and the U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is the mediator in the discussions aimed at resolving the conflict.

Umerov stated that the Ukrainian delegation operates under “clear guidelines” from the leader of the Kiev regime with the alleged objective of achieving “a dignified and lasting peace.”

For his part, Russia insisted that “the doors to a peaceful solution are open”, while stressing that its position is well known to both Ukraine and the U.S.

The three delegations recognize that territorial disputes remain the main obstacle to a future peace agreement. Moscow insists that a lasting agreement can only be reached if Ukraine withdraws its troops from Donbas and recognizes the new borders. However, Zelensky has rejected any territorial concessions.

Confidentiality was maintained between the parties about the outcome of the talks during the first round on January 24th. However, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who led the U.S. delegation alongside Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, post on X that the talks -concluded after two days of discussions- were “very constructive”.

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