Russia has confirmed that security talks involving the United States and Ukraine will take place in Abu Dhabi on Friday. The announcement followed a lengthy meeting in Moscow between Vladimir Putin and senior U.S. envoys.
The discussions began shortly before midnight and lasted nearly four hours. Kremlin officials described the exchange as detailed and direct. However, Moscow avoided signalling any diplomatic breakthrough.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Russia made its position clear during the talks. He stated that no lasting peace is possible without resolving territorial disputes. Ushakov referred to a framework discussed during last year’s Trump–Putin summit in Alaska. He said Russia considers that formula essential for a long-term settlement.
Russia has appointed Admiral Igor Kostyukov, head of military intelligence, to lead its delegation at the Abu Dhabi talks. The meeting will focus on security arrangements and conflict de-escalation.
Separately, investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev will hold economic discussions with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. According to Ushakov, Putin stressed that Russia remains open to diplomatic solutions. At the same time, he made clear that military objectives would continue until key issues are resolved. Russian officials say their forces currently maintain a strategic advantage on the battlefield.
Ukrainian officials head to UAE for first trilateral peace talks with Russia and UShttps://t.co/cbbAsv0f3O pic.twitter.com/koRiaKCUEe
— ITV News (@itvnews) January 23, 2026Ukraine Faces a Brutal Winter
The diplomatic push comes as Ukraine endures its toughest winter since the war began. Russian missile and drone strikes have damaged energy facilities across the country. In Kyiv and other cities, residents have faced extended power outages. Freezing temperatures have left many without heating.
Ukraine cites these attacks as proof that Moscow lacks a genuine interest in peace. Russia rejects that claim and says battlefield gains have come at a high cost. On the U.S. side, Witkoff attended the Moscow meeting alongside Jared Kushner. Kushner last met Putin in December.
They were joined by Josh Gruenbaum, a newly appointed adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump. Gruenbaum serves on Trump’s Board of Peace, which focuses on resolving global conflicts. Trump has increased pressure on both sides to reach an agreement. This week, he said failure to secure a deal would reflect poorly on both Moscow and Kyiv.
BREAKING: Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a 'first trilateral meeting' between Ukraine, Russia and the US will take place tomorrow and the day after in the UAE.https://t.co/eTJFNtHsa4
📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/QNXMtLOwtt
— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 22, 2026Witkoff has suggested negotiations have narrowed to one unresolved issue. While he did not name it, territorial control remains the central dispute. Russia demands that Ukraine relinquish territory in eastern Donetsk. It also insists Kyiv abandon plans to join NATO and reject any future NATO troop presence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has refused to cede land. He argues Ukraine defended its territory at immense human and military cost. After meeting Trump in Switzerland, Zelenskiy said security guarantees were finalised. He confirmed that territorial issues remain unresolved.
Ushakov praised Washington for organising the Abu Dhabi meeting. He said U.S. efforts created a platform for meaningful dialogue. However, he stressed that progress depends on addressing all core disputes. Territorial boundaries remain the most difficult obstacle.
