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The United Arab Emirates’ foreign minister said trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi produced “productive and constructive discussions” as momentum grows for a political settlement to the Russia-Ukraine war.
In a statement Thursday, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the start of the second round of negotiations sent “positive messages” showing the parties’ seriousness about diplomatic efforts to end humanitarian suffering from a conflict now in its fourth year.
“The two rounds of talks held in Abu Dhabi resulted in productive and constructive discussions that highlighted areas of common ground that can serve as a foundation for further progress,” he said.
Sheikh Abdullah said the UAE remains committed to providing a supportive environment for dialogue that narrows divergences and advances peaceful solutions.
The first round of trilateral talks was held in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 23-24, with the second round taking place Feb. 4-5.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff also described the discussions as “constructive,” saying they focused on creating conditions for a “durable peace.”
Witkoff said the delegations reached an agreement under which Russia and Ukraine will each release 157 prisoners of war.
“This is the first exchange in the last five months,” he said.
Russia and Ukraine last carried out a prisoner exchange on Oct. 2, 2025, under deals reached in Istanbul, which hosted three rounds of direct peace talks earlier that year.
Witkoff said the United States and Russia agreed to establish a military-to-military dialogue to be led by General Alexus Grynkewich, commander of US European Command.
He said delegations held wide-ranging discussions over two days on unresolved issues, including possible mechanisms to implement a ceasefire and monitor a halt to military activities.
Witkoff said the delegations agreed to report back to their respective capitals and continue trilateral talks in the coming weeks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Thursday that a new meeting of negotiating teams will be held in the near future as part of efforts to end the war.
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