Despite No Quick Breakthrough Expected, Ukraine Peace Talks Resume This Week in Abu Dhabi

Key issues remain unresolved

The last meeting between Ukrainian and Russian representatives took place in February. Ukraine still seeks security guarantees, a demand Russia rejects. US special envoy Steve Witkoff said the talks would cover post-war security, de-escalation, humanitarian work and steps toward peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also identified an energy ceasefire, access through the Black Sea, longer prisoner exchanges and preparations for a leaders’ meeting as priorities.

Delegations prepare for Abu Dhabi

Witkoff will attend with Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and a special envoy. Russia’s delegation will be led by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to President Vladimir Putin, and will include senior military and intelligence officials.

Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, will lead Ukraine’s delegation. Davyd Arakhamia and diplomatic and military officials will also take part.

European role remains uncertain

Officials from Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Italy are listed among those attending, along with representatives of the European Commission and NATO. It remains unclear whether European participants will have a formal role in discussions about a potential peace deal. Security studies director Hanna Shelest told DW that Europeans would likely have “an observing role, at best.” She said Russia has resisted their participation, seeking to frame negotiations as a matter between Moscow and Washington.

Expectations for progress are low

Arakhamia told DW he did not expect a breakthrough after the long pause in negotiations. He said resuming trilateral talks could itself be considered a success. Shelest said past negotiations led by Medinsky had, in her view, shown Russia’s willingness to talk without reaching agreement. She expected extended historical arguments rather than a deal.