By Micah Jonah | January 24, 2026
United States brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have ended in Abu Dhabi without any formal agreement, even as Russian air strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure continued, leaving about 1.2 million people without electricity in freezing conditions.
The discussions, hosted by the United Arab Emirates, brought together senior officials from both countries as well as representatives of the United States. Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that talks focused on possible conditions for ending the war and the security arrangements required to support any future ceasefire. He added that further discussions could take place next week.
Ukraine was represented by its Defence Minister and chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, and the head of military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov. The Russian delegation included military intelligence and army officials. United States envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were also present at the negotiations.
In a statement, the government of the United Arab Emirates described the talks as constructive, noting that outstanding issues within the proposed peace framework were discussed through direct engagement between both sides, a rare development since the conflict began nearly four years ago.
Russia maintained its demand that Ukraine withdraw from the remaining parts of the Donetsk region still under Kyiv’s control. While Russian forces currently occupy all of Luhansk, Moscow continues to insist on full control of both eastern regions that make up the Donbas area.
Hours before the second day of talks, Russian forces launched attacks on Ukraine’s power facilities, cutting off electricity to large parts of the country during sub zero temperatures. Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba confirmed that over one million residents were affected by the blackout.
Authorities in Kyiv reported that drone strikes killed one person and injured four others in the capital, while officials in Kharkiv said at least 27 people were wounded following similar attacks in the city.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of undermining peace efforts by carrying out attacks during negotiations, describing the strikes as an attempt to pressure Ukraine while discussions were ongoing.
Despite the lack of agreement, both sides indicated willingness to continue dialogue, as diplomatic efforts to end the conflicta remain ongoing amid continued fighting on the ground.
