Ukraine and Russia set a second round of direct talks as attacks continue

Ukraine and Russia have agreed to a second round of direct, face-to-face talks to be held on February 1, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, as U.S.-mediated diplomacy continues despite ongoing battlefield violence. The next meeting follows recent discussions that were described by Ukrainian officials as constructive, even as Kyiv accused Moscow of negotiating while still striking civilian infrastructure. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/25/ukraine-war-briefing-kyiv-and-moscow-set-to-hold-more-face-to-face-talks-as-us-hails-big-step-forward))

The diplomatic track comes against a backdrop of continued Russian attacks, with Ukraine repeatedly stressing that any negotiation credibility is undermined when missiles and drones are still being launched during talks. Kyiv’s messaging is aimed at reinforcing that security guarantees and enforceable terms must accompany any political roadmap, rather than relying on declarations that could be reversed amid continued military pressure.

On the U.S. side, the Guardian reported that envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff held a lengthy meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow ahead of the trilateral discussions, which U.S. officials characterized as productive and focused on unresolved issues. That engagement underscores Washington’s push to keep dialogue moving, even as European partners remain wary of Russian intentions and of the risk that negotiations could be used to buy time. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/25/ukraine-war-briefing-kyiv-and-moscow-set-to-hold-more-face-to-face-talks-as-us-hails-big-step-forward))

Meanwhile, enforcement of sanctions remains a key parallel front. French authorities intercepted an oil tanker suspected of being tied to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet and directed it toward a southern French port for inspection, according to the report. Such actions are meant to constrain Russia’s revenue streams and disrupt logistical networks alleged to be used for sanctions evasion. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/25/ukraine-war-briefing-kyiv-and-moscow-set-to-hold-more-face-to-face-talks-as-us-hails-big-step-forward))

The upcoming Abu Dhabi round is expected to revisit core issues that have repeatedly stalled progress, including territorial questions, security arrangements, and sequencing for any ceasefire or freeze in hostilities. Even small procedural steps—like agreeing on another in-person meeting—can matter in diplomacy, but the ultimate test will be whether the talks can produce verifiable commitments that hold under continued military strain.

For now, the situation remains defined by parallel tracks: negotiations that are continuing, sanctions enforcement actions that are intensifying, and combat operations that have not paused. Until violence subsides or a monitored cessation is established, analysts expect both sides to posture publicly while probing for leverage at the table.