For the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, senior representatives from Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington have come together for trilateral talks. The meeting, hosted by the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi, is being closely watched by global markets that remain sensitive to any signal of easing geopolitical risk.
His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed met heads of delegations on Friday at Al Shati Palace as part of the US-brokered discussions aimed at advancing peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine. The conflict began in February 2022 and continues to weigh on energy markets, global trade flows, and investor sentiment.
Sheikh Mohamed said he hoped the meeting would contribute to ending the war. He reaffirmed the UAE’s consistent approach of promoting dialogue and supporting diplomatic solutions to international crises, according to state news agency Wam. He added that the UAE backs all initiatives seeking a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
The talks are being attended by U.S. presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Russia is represented by Igor Kostyukov, head of the main directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. Ukraine’s delegation includes Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of Staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council. Senior officials from both sides are also present.
A White House official told The National that the first day of discussions was productive and confirmed that talks would continue on Saturday.
Senior UAE leaders attended the meeting, including Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs. Several ministers and advisers were also present.
Earlier on Friday, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the start of the summit. He said he hoped the two-day talks would lead to tangible steps toward ending the war, Wam reported. Sheikh Abdullah said the UAE’s role as host reflected international confidence in its ability to support peace initiatives.
He praised U.S. President Donald Trump for enabling the high-level gathering and said sustainable solutions could only be achieved through dialogue and de-escalation.
The UAE has played an active diplomatic role since the war began. It has mediated 17 prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, leading to the release of 4,641 detainees, according to Wam.
Territory remains the core obstacle. Moscow has made it clear that it wants Ukraine to relinquish the entire eastern Donbas region before hostilities can end. A senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that there was little hope of ending the war without resolving territorial disputes.
President Zelenskyy has also said Donbas would be central to the discussions. After meeting President Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Zelenskyy described their talks as positive. “The question of Donbas is key,” he said. “It will be discussed how the three sides see this in Abu Dhabi today and tomorrow.”
Analysts caution that expectations should remain measured. Karan Vassil of intelligence firm Sibylline described the summit as a notable development because it marks the first trilateral meeting since the war began. He said a full peace deal remains unlikely in the near term. However, there is a slightly higher prospect of a moratorium on air and missile strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure.
For investors, even limited progress could matter. Any reduction in escalation risks would ease pressure on energy prices, supply chains, and emerging market assets that have remained vulnerable since the conflict began.
