Ukraine: ‘Truly Constructive’ Peace Talks with US and Russia

Two-day peace negotiations among Ukrainian, Russian, and American representatives aimed at resolving the war in Ukraine concluded today (05.02.2026) in Abu Dhabi. ‘The negotiations have ended,’ said Diana Davitian, spokesperson for Ukrainian delegation head Rustem Umerov. Kirill Budanov, head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office, emphasized that ‘the peace talks were truly constructive,’ according to RBC-Ukraine. He also expressed gratitude to the US and UAE for their excellent organization and mediation. Earlier, US delegation head Steve Witkoff announced that Ukraine and Russia agreed to exchange 314 prisoners—the first such swap in five months—and described the talks as ‘productive.’ President Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine–Russia peace talks, backed by the US, will continue in the near future. Additionally, the US military announced Washington and Moscow have agreed to resume high-level military dialogue—a channel suspended in late 2021, just before Russia’s invasion. The re-establishment followed meetings in Abu Dhabi involving General Alexus G. Grynkewitsch, Commander of US European Command, and senior Russian and Ukrainian military officials.