Kyiv: Ukraine and Russia are set to return to the negotiating table next week, as diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year-long war gain fresh momentum amid worsening humanitarian conditions caused by an intense winter cold spell. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that a new round of U.S.-backed trilateral peace talks involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States will be held in Abu Dhabi on February 4 and 5, raising cautious hopes of progress even as fighting and civilian suffering continue.
President Zelenskiy said Kyiv has finalized preparations for the upcoming discussions and is committed to engaging in what he described as “meaningful and substantive dialogue.” The talks are expected to build on earlier diplomatic contacts, which, while described as constructive, failed to produce any breakthrough agreement, particularly on the deeply contentious issue of territorial control. Despite these setbacks, Ukrainian officials believe continued dialogue is essential to explore pathways toward de-escalation and a possible ceasefire.
The announcement comes at a time when Ukraine is grappling with one of its harshest winters in recent years. Sub-zero temperatures have swept across large parts of the country, compounding the hardships of a population already strained by years of war. In Kyiv and several other regions, thousands of residents have faced intermittent heating and power disruptions, as damaged energy infrastructure struggles to cope with rising demand during the cold wave. Emergency crews have been working around the clock to restore essential services, but the situation remains fragile.
Winter conditions have also intensified calls for an extension of the temporary pause on attacks against energy infrastructure, a limited understanding previously facilitated with U.S. involvement. While this arrangement provided some relief, its future remains uncertain, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Recent drone and missile strikes in cities such as Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia have resulted in civilian casualties, underscoring how vulnerable urban populations remain despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
On the ground, public sentiment in Ukraine is marked by a mix of resilience and scepticism. Many citizens welcome any attempt at peace talks but remain doubtful that negotiations will quickly translate into tangible improvements in daily life. Years of stalled diplomacy and continued hostilities have left deep scars, making confidence in a near-term resolution elusive for ordinary Ukrainians enduring both war and winter.
Internationally, the upcoming Abu Dhabi talks are being closely watched as a critical test of whether sustained diplomatic engagement can break the deadlock. The United States and its allies have continued to push for dialogue, even as fundamental disagreements persist between Kyiv and Moscow. Ukrainian leadership has reiterated that while it remains open to negotiations, any settlement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and internationally recognized borders.
As the conflict approaches another grim milestone, the convergence of diplomatic efforts and humanitarian urgency adds weight to the next round of talks. Whether the Abu Dhabi meetings can move beyond symbolism and deliver concrete steps toward peace remains uncertain, but for millions affected by war and cold alike, even incremental progress could offer a glimmer of hope in an otherwise punishing winter.