Ukraine and Russia to meet for second round of talks as fourth anniversary of war looms

Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities overnight amid stalled peace talks. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that Russia is hesitant to engage in another round of US-brokered negotiations, proposed to be held in Miami or Abu Dhabi next week. While Ukraine has confirmed its attendance, the Kremlin indicated that talks are expected "soon" without providing specifics. These developments occur as a US-led peace effort faces a June deadline, with disagreements over occupied territories in the Donbas region and Russian demands for further territorial concessions hindering a comprehensive settlement after four years of conflict.

On Thursday, February 12, 2026, Russia launched a barrage of missiles and drones at Ukrainian cities. This occurred as the possibility of another round of US-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine remained uncertain. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine had agreed to attend proposed negotiations in either Miami or Abu Dhabi, but Russia was hesitant. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that talks were expected "soon" without providing specifics. The US government has not commented on the potential for further negotiations, which are part of an ongoing peace effort. Zelenskyy previously stated that the US has set a June deadline for a deal between the two countries.

Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine have caused widespread power outages and left hundreds of thousands without essential services. In Odesa, nearly 300,000 people are without water and 200 buildings lack heating. Kyiv also experienced significant disruptions, with 3,500 buildings without heating due to power outages affecting thousands of high-rise buildings. The attacks, which occurred overnight, also injured four people in Dnipro, including two children. A thermal power plant belonging to DTEK suffered extensive damage in the eleventh large-scale attack on the company since October 2025. Ukraine's foreign minister condemned the attacks, stating they undermine diplomatic efforts to end the war and called for increased pressure on Moscow.

As Ukraine prepares for upcoming peace talks, Ukrainian officials report increased pressure from the Trump administration to make concessions to Russia, aiming to end the war by early summer. President Zelensky expressed frustration that the U.S. is pressing Ukraine harder than Russia, but acknowledges the need to maintain American engagement, especially with the approaching midterm elections potentially shifting U.S. focus. Zelensky stated that the U.S. desires to halt the war by June, and that the Trump administration was "likely to put pressure on the parties according to that timeline.” Ukraine is sending a delegation to Florida for talks next week, though Russian participation is uncertain. The U.S. strategy remains unclear if Ukraine doesn't concede on issues like territory and elections.

A second round of US-brokered peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, beginning February 4, 2026. The talks aim to find a path to end the nearly four-year Russia-Ukraine war. These trilateral discussions follow a previous round held in the UAE and represent the first direct public negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv based on a plan proposed by the Trump administration. However, progress remains challenging as the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion approaches. The primary obstacles continue to be the long-term status of Russian-occupied territory in eastern Ukraine and security guarantees for Ukraine. Recent Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have further complicated the negotiations.

Ukrainian and Russian officials concluded the first day of US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi, described as "productive" by Kyiv's lead negotiator. The trilateral meetings, involving US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, aim to find concrete steps and practical solutions to the ongoing conflict. The talks occurred amidst continued fighting, including a Russian strike on a market in eastern Ukraine that resulted in casualties. Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, stated the work was substantive and would prepare a report for President Zelensky. Discussions are expected to continue on Thursday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the US has proposed a June deadline for Ukraine and Russia to reach a peace settlement. According to Zelenskyy, the Trump administration intends to pressure both countries to end the war by the beginning of summer, potentially influenced by the upcoming midterm elections. He also mentioned that the US is proposing to host further trilateral talks, possibly in Miami, following recent discussions in Abu Dhabi that were described as constructive. This new deadline follows previous unsuccessful attempts by the US to broker a peace agreement. Zelenskyy indicated Ukraine has confirmed its participation in the next round of talks.

Russia and Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange of 157 people each, including soldiers and civilians, after US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi. The exchange, the first in four months, involved the return of Ukrainians held captive since 2022 and Russian soldiers held by Kyiv. The talks, involving Russian, Ukrainian, and US teams, aimed to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict. Territorial concessions demanded by Russia and security guarantees for Ukraine are major obstacles to a potential agreement. While the US envoy described the talks as productive, no breakthrough was achieved, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed a desire for faster progress.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in the war with Russia. This announcement was made during an interview with France 2 TV on Wednesday. Zelensky also noted a significant number of individuals are officially missing. While both Ukraine and Russia have been reluctant to disclose their own losses, the BBC has confirmed nearly 160,000 Russian casualties. Simultaneously, US envoys are holding talks with Russian and Ukrainian negotiators in Abu Dhabi, seeking to advance a US-proposed peace deal. Territory remains a major obstacle, with Russia demanding Ukraine cede the remaining Donbas region. Zelensky expressed a desire for faster progress in negotiations, emphasizing Ukraine's constructive approach.

On Sunday, a Russian drone strike in the Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine killed at least 12 miners, with the death toll later rising to 15. The attack, described by a DTEK spokesperson as a "terrorist attack on civilian infrastructure," targeted a bus transporting miners after their shift, roughly 40 miles from the front line. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine confirmed the incident and reported at least seven injuries. The attack occurred hours after President Zelenskyy announced the postponement of planned peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S., which are now scheduled for February 4-5 in Abu Dhabi. The delay followed a meeting between envoys from Donald Trump and the Kremlin in Florida on Saturday. Zelenskyy condemned the strike as a deliberate attack on civilians.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff held "productive" talks with Russian Special Envoy Kirill Dmitriev in Florida regarding the war in Ukraine. The meeting, attended by other US officials, occurred ahead of a second round of US-mediated negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators in Abu Dhabi. These talks aim to advance a US-backed plan to end the nearly four-year conflict. This follows the first direct public negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv since the war's early stages, also mediated by the US in Abu Dhabi. President Trump stated progress is being made toward a deal, and Russia agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure during extreme winter conditions following a request from Trump.

Talks between Russian, Ukrainian, and American officials aimed at ending the war in Ukraine are scheduled to continue next week. The announcement follows face-to-face negotiations held in Abu Dhabi last weekend, the first such meeting between Ukraine and Russia since June. While both Ukrainian and Russian officials expressed some optimism after the talks, a Kremlin spokesman gave little indication that Russia was ready to compromise on its aims in Ukraine. A major point of contention remains control of territory in eastern Ukraine, with Russia insisting on terms it claims were previously agreed to by the U.S. president. The ongoing negotiations also involve discussions about American involvement in postwar security guarantees for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on January 26, 2026, that a security agreement with the United States is "100 percent ready" for signing, pending confirmation of the date and location from the US. This announcement followed talks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators in Abu Dhabi regarding a framework for ending the ongoing war. While no immediate deal was reached, both sides expressed openness to further dialogue, with additional discussions planned. Zelenskyy highlighted that fundamental differences, particularly regarding territorial concessions, remain a significant obstacle. He also emphasized Ukraine's pursuit of EU membership by 2027 as an economic security guarantee.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, European leaders publicly acknowledged the decline of the rules-based order that has underpinned modern Europe. This realization, long discussed privately and recognized elsewhere, became a central theme during the week-long event. The Greenland episode, involving Donald Trump's interest in acquiring the territory, highlighted the diminishing constraint of law on power. The meeting with NATO chief Mark Rutte helped de-escalate immediate tensions related to US military bases on the island. The leaders' statements suggest a shift in understanding the current global landscape and its implications for Europe's future.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on Monday that Europe cannot defend itself without the United States, addressing the European Parliament in Brussels amid concerns about transatlantic relations. Rutte's remarks followed President Trump's comments at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he downplayed seizing Greenland but also belittled Europe's reliance on America. Rutte, who has fostered a relationship with Trump, defended his role in easing Trump's threats regarding Greenland, though he denied negotiating on behalf of Denmark, which along with Greenland, has rejected a potential American takeover. Members of the European Parliament pressed Rutte for details on his discussions with Trump and any potential deal concerning Greenland's future, but Rutte remained vague.

In Davos, Switzerland, US and Russian envoys met at the World Economic Forum on January 21, 2026, amid the postponement of an $800 billion Ukraine reconstruction plan. US special envoy Steve Witkoff, along with Jared Kushner, met with Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev for over two hours. Witkoff confirmed plans to meet with both President Putin and the Ukrainian delegation in Moscow on Thursday. The Kremlin acknowledged the scheduled meeting with Putin. The signing of the "prosperity plan," involving Ukraine, Europe, and the US, was delayed due to tensions within NATO over President Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland, according to the Financial Times. The plan has not been shelved indefinitely and could be signed at a later date.

US-brokered peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi concluded on Saturday without a deal, though further discussions are expected next weekend. The talks, which involved face-to-face engagement, focused on parameters for ending the war. While no agreements were reached, both Moscow and Kyiv expressed openness to continued dialogue, and negotiators reportedly addressed key elements of a US peace framework. The US official described the talks as respectful and detailed, expressing hope for progress at the next meeting. The negotiations occurred against the backdrop of ongoing Russian air strikes that left over a million Ukrainians without power amidst sub-zero temperatures.

Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are reportedly holding peace talks in Abu Dhabi. The timing of these discussions is considered significant. The article includes images from January 2026, showing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Davos, Switzerland, and meetings in Moscow involving U.S. President Donald Trump's envoys, Kremlin foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another image shows Putin visiting the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. The article highlights the occurrence of these talks amidst an important juncture in the ongoing conflict.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Trump promoted his new "Board of Peace," a controversial organization aimed at resolving international conflicts. The board, which requires a US$1 billion membership fee, has invited leaders like Vladimir Putin, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Viktor Orban to join. This announcement follows Trump's decision to scrap tariffs against Europe and dismiss the idea of acquiring Greenland from Denmark, actions that eased tensions at the global meeting. Trump expressed his belief that the board is the "greatest ever formed" during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, another leader who has agreed to participate. The launch occurs amidst reports of Trump's disappointment at not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Europe to demonstrate greater courage and unity. He warned that NATO's dependence on the United States is vulnerable, citing Russia's growing missile capabilities and recent tensions surrounding Greenland as examples. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Europe to act as a global power to counter these threats. His address aimed to encourage European nations to take a more proactive and independent role in ensuring their collective security. The speech highlights concerns about the shifting geopolitical landscape and the need for Europe to strengthen its own defense capabilities.

In Davos, Switzerland, at the World Economic Forum on January 22, 2026, the Trump administration, led by Jared Kushner, unveiled an ambitious plan to rebuild the Gaza Strip. The proposal envisions a $25 billion investment to construct new cities and infrastructure, including skyscrapers, starting with the reconstruction of Rafah. The plan was presented during the inauguration of President Trump's "Board of Peace," intended to oversee the Israel-Hamas truce and Gaza's reconstruction. However, the plan faces significant hurdles, including Hamas's refusal to disarm, difficulty securing international peacekeeping forces, and uncertainty about funding sources. While a Palestinian committee anticipates the Rafah border crossing with Egypt reopening soon, Israel has not confirmed this, demanding the return of an Israeli captive's remains first.

On January 24, 2026, an Israeli drone strike killed two children in northern Gaza as they were collecting firewood near Kamal Adwan Hospital. The children were from the same family. The incident is described as a violation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered by the United States in October 2025. Severe fuel shortages have forced Palestinians to seek alternative fuel sources. Since October 11, 2025, Israeli attacks have killed at least 481 Palestinians and wounded 1,206 others, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza. The ministry also reports that the number of child deaths due to cold weather this winter has risen to 10.

On January 21, 2026, Israeli forces demolished three Palestinian homes in the village of Shuqba, located in the occupied West Bank. The destruction was confirmed by a resident of Shuqba, who described the scene as "a real carnage." The article does not state the reason for the demolitions. The event is reported as part of ongoing coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

On Wednesday, Israeli forces killed at least 11 Palestinians in Gaza, undermining a three-month-old ceasefire. Among the dead were three journalists traveling in a car to film a displacement camp in central Gaza; the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate stated they were on a humanitarian mission. Two 13-year-old boys were also killed in separate incidents, one while collecting firewood and another in an Israeli drone strike that also killed his father and a 22-year-old man. The Israeli military stated the strike targeting the journalists was due to the individuals operating a Hamas-affiliated drone and posing a threat to troops, adding that the incident is under examination. The journalists' vehicle was sponsored by the Egyptian Relief Committee, which said the vehicle was known to the Israeli military.