Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Begin in Abu Dhabi with US Mediation
Jared Kushner says Washington has identified remaining differences and proposed ways to bridge them as delegations discuss ending the war and establishing long-term security arrangements
Peace Talks begin in Abu Dhabi as Russian, Ukrainian and US delegations seek a path towards ending the war.
A new round of trilateral peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by the United States, began in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, according to Russian state media.
The talks opened at 0800 GMT, Russian state news agency RIA reported. US envoy Jared Kushner, who is also President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, said Washington had identified the main differences between the two sides and was working on proposals to overcome them.
“We’ve had almost daily conversations with both sides and we’ve identified now where the gaps still fall short. We have some ideas to bridge them,” Kushner said.
He added that Trump had directed his team to intensify efforts to end the war, which has entered its fifth year. Kushner said the US president wanted an agreement that would leave both countries in a stronger position.
“President Trump truly is committed to see peace. He thinks this war has gone on too long,” Kushner said.
He also cited the human cost of the conflict, saying Trump remained disturbed by the death toll and humanitarian consequences.
Kushner Calls for New Security Framework
Kushner said the negotiations would address more than the immediate relationship between Russia and Ukraine. They would also explore a broader security framework involving Ukraine, Russia and Europe.
He said a central question remained whether Russia, Ukraine and European countries were ready for peace.
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“Hopefully this becomes the last war that we have here,” he said.
Kushner also described an earlier meeting with the Ukrainian delegation and European partners as productive. He said several proposals now under consideration had emerged from those discussions.
UAE Reaffirms Support for Peace Efforts
United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the opening to welcome the participants.
He said the UAE hoped the conflict would end through peaceful negotiations. He also praised Washington’s role in the diplomatic effort and thanked the delegations for placing their trust in the Emirates.
Ukraine Seeks Lasting Peace and Security Guarantees
Rustem Umerov, who leads Ukraine’s delegation, thanked European officials for helping prepare the negotiations. He said the process had continued for almost a year, with intensified efforts over the past two months.
Umerov said his delegation had received a mandate from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss all outstanding issues related to ending the war.
“We have a mandate from President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy to discuss all the issues our people are waiting for to end this war,” he said.
He added that Ukraine wanted lasting peace and security guarantees. The delegation would focus on securing tangible results from the negotiations.
In a separate Telegram statement, Umerov said the agenda included key issues concerning a cessation of hostilities and the path towards peace.
Russia Hopes for Progress in Negotiations
Vladimir Medinsky, who heads Russia’s delegation, said Moscow hoped the expanded negotiating team would help advance the peace process.
He said the larger delegation brought additional expertise and could support progress in the interests of both countries.
The Kremlin has identified security guarantees as a key subject for discussion. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Abu Dhabi negotiations would follow the trilateral format agreed by Russia, Ukraine and the United States.
He added that European representatives would not formally participate in the trilateral talks. However, the United States and Ukraine maintain separate channels of communication with European governments.
First Trilateral Talks Since February
The latest meeting marks the first trilateral negotiations since talks in Geneva, Switzerland, in February 2026. Earlier rounds also took place in Abu Dhabi in January and February.
Before the latest meeting, Zelenskyy said Ukraine would propose de-escalation measures. In a video address on Monday, he stressed the need for peace, security guarantees and resources for Ukraine’s postwar recovery.
Despite the Kremlin’s position on the formal negotiating format, Umerov said representatives from the European Commission, NATO, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Germany would also travel to Abu Dhabi.
Ahead of the trilateral session, Umerov separately met European representatives and US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The negotiations now face the challenge of turning diplomatic proposals into an agreement acceptable to both Moscow and Kyiv. Security arrangements, the cessation of hostilities and Europe’s future role remain central issues.
