Washington Floats UAE Site for Trilateral Ukraine Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the United States has suggested the United Arab Emirates as a possible host for a technical-level meeting with Russia and Ukraine. The Kremlin indicated a three-way meeting could occur soon, while also saying conditions for a peace process were not yet set. Zelensky said Kyiv is waiting for a date, and the announcement came after a Russian drone strike on Kyiv killed seven people, including a 14-year-old boy.
Zelensky said Washington suggested a three-way technical meeting in the Emirates and Kyiv awaits a date. The Kremlin said such talks might occur soon, while Dmitry Peskov earlier argued no conditions existed to move negotiations onto a peace path; Moscow again said Zelensky could visit Russia, which Kyiv has rejected.
The proposal followed Zelensky's UN General Assembly meeting with Trump and further U.S.-Ukraine discussions. Kyiv is considering an energy truce, a Black Sea maritime truce, or the three-party format; December's G20 could host a higher-level meeting. In January, Abu Dhabi hosted the first three-country delegation meeting since the invasion. Hours before, a drone attack on the capital left seven dead, among them a 14-year-old, and 59 wounded.
If the proposed UAE format advances, it could shape expectations for Ukrainians living under continued attack, European governments coordinating support, and global energy and shipping markets sensitive to Black Sea and infrastructure risks. A technical meeting may lower immediate diplomatic barriers, though continued strikes could harden public anger and distrust. The UAE’s role may also elevate its profile as a mediator, while any delay could leave affected communities facing further uncertainty.