Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Continue Amid Attacks

What's happened

As of early February 2026, Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. have engaged in trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi to end the nearly four-year war. Despite ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure and cities, negotiations focus on territorial disputes in eastern Ukraine and security guarantees. No breakthrough has been reached, but talks remain ongoing under U.S. mediation.

What's behind the headline?

Persistent Deadlock Despite Diplomatic Efforts

The ongoing peace talks in Abu Dhabi represent the most public and sustained diplomatic effort to end the Ukraine-Russia war since its escalation in 2022. However, the core issues—territorial control in eastern Ukraine's Donbas and security guarantees—remain deeply divisive. Russia's insistence on Ukraine withdrawing from parts of Donetsk and Luhansk clashes with Ukraine's refusal to cede land it still controls.

Military Pressure as Negotiating Leverage

Russia's continued missile and drone strikes, especially targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure during harsh winter conditions, serve as a coercive tactic to pressure Kyiv into concessions. These attacks undermine civilian morale and complicate negotiations, signaling Moscow's unwillingness to pause military operations despite diplomatic talks.

U.S. Mediation and Political Dynamics

The U.S., led by special envoys including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, plays a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue. The involvement of former President Trump adds a complex political dimension, with claims of progress but no public breakthroughs. The expiration of the last nuclear arms pact between the U.S. and Russia during this period adds urgency to diplomatic efforts.

Outlook and Consequences

Without compromise on territorial issues and credible security guarantees, a peace deal remains elusive. Continued fighting and infrastructure attacks will likely persist, exacerbating humanitarian crises. The talks' progress hinges on whether Moscow and Kyiv can reconcile their maximalist positions or if external pressures will force concessions. The international community must prepare for prolonged instability in the region.

How we got here

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the conflict has caused massive destruction and loss of life. The Trump administration has brokered peace talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S., aiming to resolve territorial disputes, security guarantees, and ceasefire terms. Russia demands control over eastern Donbas regions, while Ukraine resists ceding territory. Winter missile strikes on energy infrastructure have intensified civilian hardships.

Our analysis

The New York Times' Kim Barker highlights the significance of the trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, noting the presence of high-level delegations and the focus on territorial and security issues, but underscores the lack of breakthroughs and ongoing Russian attacks on Kyiv's power grid. The Independent and AP News provide detailed accounts of the missile and drone strikes coinciding with the talks, emphasizing Ukrainian outrage and the harsh winter conditions worsening civilian suffering. Al Jazeera reports on the diplomatic dynamics, including the U.S. mediation efforts and the Kremlin's firm stance on territorial demands, while also capturing Ukrainian skepticism about Moscow's commitment to peace. The Moscow Times offers insight into the postponement and scheduling of talks, the surprise U.S.-Russia meetings in Florida, and the persistent deadlock over territory. Reuters provides a broader geopolitical context, including the expiration of nuclear arms treaties and internal Russian political pressures against peace. Collectively, these sources paint a picture of fragile diplomacy overshadowed by ongoing conflict and deep mistrust, with the U.S. playing a central but complicated mediating role.

Go deeper

• What are the main obstacles in the Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations?
• How have recent Russian attacks affected the peace talks?
• What role is the U.S. playing in mediating the conflict?

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