Ukrainian, United States, and Russian officials are expected to meet in the United Arab Emirates on Friday for fresh security talks aimed at finding a path toward ending the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed the planned meeting, describing it as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements following recent high-level discussions in Moscow between US representatives and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The UAE talks come after extended negotiations in Moscow, where US envoy Steve Witkoff led a delegation in discussions with President Putin over a proposed peace framework. Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov described the talks as productive, noting that discussions continued into the early hours. Witkoff and his team are now heading to Abu Dhabi to continue the dialogue, while a Russian delegation led by General Igor Kostyukov is also expected to arrive.

According to Ushakov, the meeting in Abu Dhabi will mark the first session of a trilateral working group focused on security issues. He said Russia remains open to a political and diplomatic solution, but stressed that Moscow would continue pursuing its military objectives until an agreement is reached. The talks reflect growing international efforts to de-escalate what has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.

Despite renewed optimism, major disagreements remain unresolved. Russia continues to control large parts of eastern and southern Ukraine and insists territorial issues must be settled in its favour. Ukraine, however, has rejected any proposal that involves giving up land, warning that such concessions could encourage future aggression. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said a draft peace deal is nearly ready, it remains unclear whether the UAE talks will lead to direct negotiations or meaningful breakthroughs.