Ceasefire in focus: New details emerge from Abu Dhabi negotiations

The meeting’s readout described the discussions as constructive and focused on creating conditions for lasting peace. The delegations agreed on a prisoner exchange.

"Over the two days, the delegations had wide-ranging discussions on the remaining open issues including methods to implement a ceasefire and monitor the cessation of military activities," the readout says.

The delegations agreed to brief senior leadership and continue negotiations over the coming weeks.

New location

President Zelenskyy said that the Ukrainian negotiating team had already briefed him on the meeting’s outcomes. A full report will be prepared in Kyiv, as many aspects could not be discussed over the phone.

"Based on what can be said now, the next meetings are planned soon, likely in the United States," the President added.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is ready for all working formats that could help bring peace closer and make it sustainable and lasting. At the same time, Russia must be stripped of any motivation to keep waging war.

"It is important that this war ends in a way that Russia receives no reward for aggression. This is one of the key principles that restores and guarantees real security. I thank all the partners who support us in this," the President said.

Talks in Abu Dhabi

The second round of trilateral consultations between Ukraine, the US, and Russia was held on February 4–5 in the United Arab Emirates.

The sides worked in working groups for five hours a day. The main outcome of the meeting was an agreement to exchange 314 prisoners, 157 from each side.

President Zelenskyy called this result significant. On February 5, 157 Ukrainian defenders already returned home.

For more details on the talks, see the material by RBC-Ukraine.