Russia proposes Abu Dhabi for Ukraine peace negotiations

Russia has proposed Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, as the venue for potential peace negotiations with Ukraine. Kremlin presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov stated that the initiative has been discussed with the United States, suggesting the possibility of a trilateral format involving the U.S. to resume the dialogue.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that there is an opportunity to develop a roadmap within the coming weeks to restart negotiations following substantive contacts in both Kyiv and Moscow over the weekend. Rubio noted that while the conflict remains difficult and both sides maintain firm positions, the recent discussions involved the exchange of new ideas.

The diplomatic push follows recent efforts by U.S. envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who delivered proposals to Moscow and met with officials in Kyiv. While President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to participate in discussions alongside Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, the complexity of the summit may require the participation of full delegations from all three nations.