Zelenskyy outlines plans for further talks following UAE diplomatic meetings

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he expects an in-person briefing from Kyiv’s negotiating team after two days of talks with US and Russian representatives in the United Arab Emirates, adding that further meetings may soon take place in the United States.

“Today, I received a report from our negotiating team following two days of meetings and talks in the Emirates – with the American side and with the Russian side,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.

He added that he is “expecting the team in Kyiv for a full in-person report, as many aspects cannot be properly discussed over the phone.”

Zelenskyy indicated that preparations are underway for additional negotiations aimed at advancing efforts to end the war.

“What can already be said is that further meetings are planned in the near future, likely in the United States,” he said.

The Ukrainian leader stressed that Kyiv remains open to diplomatic initiatives, provided they deliver a durable and credible peace settlement.

“We are ready for all workable formats that can genuinely bring peace closer and make it reliable, lasting, and such that deprives Russia of any appetite to continue the war,” Zelenskyy said.

He reiterated Ukraine’s position that any resolution to the conflict must ensure Moscow does not benefit from its military actions. “It is crucial that this war ends in a way that leaves Russia with no reward for its aggression. This is one of the key principles that restore and guarantee real security,” he said.

Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude to Ukraine’s international partners supporting Kyiv’s diplomatic and defence efforts, stating: “I thank all our partners who support us in this.”

A second round of Ukraine–Russia–U.S. negotiations took place in Abu Dhabi on 4–5 February 2026, aiming to explore possible pathways toward a sustainable resolution of the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that his team returned to Kyiv to prepare for additional negotiations and indicated that a new prisoner exchange is expected as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

During the session, delegates agreed to exchange 314 prisoners of war — a notable development after months without such swaps — reflecting modest progress under U.S. mediation. Zelenskyy confirmed that further talks are likely to be held in the United States in the near future, signalling continued engagement by all parties.

The discussions were mediated by U.S. envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and focused on establishing conditions for a durable peace settlement that does not reward Russia’s military actions. Despite ongoing fighting on the ground and significant differences over territorial and security issues, participants described the meetings as constructive and forward-looking.

By Aghakazim Guliyev