Two days of high-level negotiations in Abu Dhabi between Russia, Ukraine and the United States concluded with no immediate resolution, even as Russian forces carried out deadly strikes across Ukraine, highlighting the fragile state of the talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested a follow-up meeting could take place as soon as next week, a timeline later confirmed by a US official, who said the next round is set for Sunday.
The discussions ended after Russian attacks overnight killed one person and left 35 others injured.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the assault, calling it “brutal” and “cynically” ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin. “It hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table,” he said, adding that the talks had focused on the possible parameters for ending the war, with an emphasis on US monitoring and oversight.
“The central focus of the discussions was the possible parameters for ending the war. I highly value the understanding of the need for American monitoring and oversight of the process of ending the war and ensuring genuine security,” Sybiha stated.
He noted that both sides agreed to report back to their capitals and coordinate with their leaders before taking further steps. “The military representatives identified a list of issues for a potential next meeting. Provided there is readiness to move forward - and Ukraine is ready - further meetings will take place, potentially as early as next week,” he said.
Russia has also signalled its willingness to continue dialogue, with state news agency RIA reporting that Moscow remains open to further talks. A US official later confirmed the next meeting will begin on 1 February, according to AFP and Reuters.
The overnight strikes caused widespread damage. In Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported one death and four injuries, three of whom were hospitalised. Around 6,000 buildings lost heating as temperatures dropped to -12C, with the city’s energy infrastructure targeted by Russian forces.
In Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said 31 people were wounded during the attacks, including damage to a maternity hospital and a hostel housing displaced people.
The Abu Dhabi talks marked the first trilateral meeting since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. Moscow controls roughly 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, including parts of Donbas, and continues to demand concessions that Ukraine has refused.
Zelensky reiterated in Davos that land remains the main sticking point. “It's all about the land. This is the issue which is not solved yet,” he said.
He added that he and former US President Donald Trump had agreed on future US security guarantees for Ukraine if a deal is reached, which would need approval from both the US Congress and the Ukrainian parliament.
Ahead of the Abu Dhabi talks, US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Putin in Moscow. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said Putin expressed a commitment to a political and diplomatic solution but stressed that lasting peace would require addressing territorial issues in line with the Anchorage agreement.
In August, Trump and Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska, agreeing that Russia could retain Crimea and parts of Donbas. Zelensky has rejected giving up Donbas, which includes Luhansk and Donetsk and has been partially under Russian control for more than a decade.
Ukrainian delegation head Rustem Umerov said the Abu Dhabi talks focused on setting the framework for negotiations and advancing toward a durable peace. “The meeting focused on the parameters for ending Russia's war and the further logic of the negotiation process aimed at advancing toward a dignified and lasting peace,” he said.
