Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi to test Russia's willingness to negotiate

The talks, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, are aimed at reviving diplomatic efforts to end the conflict triggered by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Zelensky said on Monday that he had spoken with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about the negotiations, posting on X: "We are doing everything we can to ensure that the trilateral format yields results".

Although the talks will formally involve only Ukraine, Russia and the United States, European governments are determined to have a say in any settlement, amid concerns that Kyiv could face pressure to accept territorial concessions favouring Moscow.

Ukraine's chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, confirmed that his delegation would hold separate coordination meetings with European partners in Abu Dhabi.

Representatives from France, Germany, Italy and the UK, alongside NATO and the European Commission, are expected to attend discussions on the sidelines.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed that France would be represented, while the Kremlin insisted on Monday that the formal negotiations would remain strictly trilateral.

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A test of Moscow's intentions

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the discussions would reveal whether Moscow was serious about reaching a settlement.

"This is the crucial question that must be made clear in the discussions over the coming days: Is Russia genuinely prepared to negotiate?" he said on Monday, on the sidelines of a G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Paris.

Wadephul urged Moscow to abandon its "maximalist demands" and warned against the talks becoming a "negotiation show".

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand struck a more optimistic note, welcoming the resumption of direct discussions after a prolonged diplomatic impasse.

"The first important point is the meeting itself," she told journalists, stressing its significance after a lengthy period without face-to-face negotiations.

"I am confident that the parties are ready to discuss a potential settlement ... which is positive," she added.

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Wider security questions

US envoy Jared Kushner – President Donald Trump's son-in-law – acknowledged on Monday that difficult decisions lay ahead.

He said Russia and Europe would eventually need direct discussions on "broader security arrangements" as part of any peace agreement.

Last week, Kushner pledged close consultation with European governments, suggesting that progress in Abu Dhabi could pave the way for a broader negotiating format involving their direct participation.

Meanwhile, Zelensky has sought support beyond Europe, speaking on Monday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Ukrainian leader said Modi had repeatedly urged Russia to end the war and that India was prepared to help establish corridors for grain exports through the Black Sea, disrupted by Russian attacks.

The talks come amid continued disagreement over territorial concessions and security guarantees for Ukraine, with Moscow and Kyiv yet to signal any significant shift in their positions.

(with newswires)