Meeting in Abu Dhabi in doubt: What Ukraine and Russia say about next talks

"Russia and Ukraine still expect planned US-led peace talks to take place this week, even as President Donald Trump’s administration continues a military campaign against Iran," Bloomberg writes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the talks could take place in Türkiye or Switzerland.

He said that due to that day’s fighting, Abu Dhabi couldn't be confirmed, but nevertheless, no one had canceled the meeting. He added that the meeting must take place, it is important, highlighting that both the meeting itself, its results, and the exchange were regarded as highly important.

It is noted that Ukraine will support any of these venues for the peace talks, and a response from partners is now awaited.

Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia

Since the beginning of 2026, Ukraine has held several rounds of negotiations with the aggressor country. The main issue that has yet to be resolved is control over the non-occupied territories of Donbas.

Russia insists on the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces, while Ukraine proposes freezing positions along the front line. At the same time, the US supports the creation of a free economic zone in these territories.

Zelenskyy recently stated that Ukraine cannot reclaim its territories by force, but Russia also cannot capture them and achieve victory.

Bloomberg reported that a new round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US, and Russia is expected on March 4–5. According to the agency, Moscow is prepared to walk away from the dialogue if Kyiv does not agree to cede Donbas. The report notes that this meeting could be decisive for the signing of a peace agreement.