Russia, US, Ukraine Meet in Abu Dhabi for Security Talks

On the evening of January 23, 2026, high-level representatives from Russia, the United States, and Ukraine convened in Abu Dhabi for a significant diplomatic engagement. The meeting marked a rare trilateral format aimed at addressing pressing regional security concerns.

While the primary focus remained on security issues, the agenda also allowed for separate bilateral discussions between Russian and American officials regarding economic cooperation. The talks are scheduled to continue into the following day, signaling a sustained diplomatic effort to navigate complex geopolitical tensions.

The Abu Dhabi venue served as the backdrop for a complex diplomatic maneuver involving three major global players. Senior officials from the respective nations gathered to discuss matters of mutual concern, with the trilateral session focusing specifically on security dynamics in the region.

In addition to the three-way talks, Russia and the United States utilized the opportunity to engage in separate discussions. These bilateral talks centered on the prospects for economic interaction between the two nations, exploring potential avenues for cooperation despite the broader geopolitical climate.

The diplomatic contacts are not expected to conclude immediately, with plans for further engagement on January 24, 2026. This continuation suggests that the discussions are substantive and require ongoing dialogue to address the various layers of the agenda.

Despite the breadth of topics discussed, the negotiations ultimately circle back to a fundamental territorial issue. This core problem remains the central obstacle to achieving a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Yuri Ushakov, the Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation, provided a stark assessment of the situation. He noted that progress is contingent upon resolving the issue in accordance with a specific formula.

Without solving the problem in accordance with the formula agreed upon at the summit of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Anchorage, there is no point in expecting a long-term settlement.

This statement underscores the critical importance of the Anchorage summit framework. The formula established during that meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump is viewed as the essential blueprint for any durable peace agreement.

The meeting in the UAE capital highlights the ongoing diplomatic maneuvering required to manage the crisis. By bringing together the three parties, the talks attempt to create a platform where security concerns can be addressed directly.

The inclusion of economic discussions between Moscow and Washington adds a layer of complexity to the proceedings. It suggests that while security remains the immediate priority, there is an underlying interest in stabilizing broader relations through economic channels.

The reference to the Anchorage summit serves as a reminder of previous high-level engagements that have shaped the current diplomatic landscape. The continuity between that meeting and the current talks in Abu Dhabi illustrates the persistent nature of the territorial dispute and the difficulty in finding common ground.

The events in Abu Dhabi represent a critical juncture in the diplomatic process. Several key points emerge from the discussions:

• Trilateral Engagement: Security issues were discussed in a format involving Russia, the US, and Ukraine simultaneously.
• Bilateral Economic Focus: Russia and the US dedicated separate time to exploring economic cooperation.
• Formula Dependency: A resolution is explicitly tied to the territorial formula established at the Anchorage summit.
• Continued Dialogue: Talks are set to resume on January 24, indicating the process is ongoing.

The emphasis placed by Yuri Ushakov on the Anchorage formula suggests that any deviation from that agreed-upon path will likely hinder progress toward a long-term settlement.

As the January 24 talks approach, the focus will likely remain on bridging the gap between security demands and the territorial framework established previously. The complexity of the territorial question remains the defining factor in the negotiations.

While the economic dialogue between Russia and the US offers a potential avenue for confidence-building, it appears secondary to the urgent need for a security resolution. The success of the ongoing Abu Dhabi contacts will depend on the ability of the parties to align their positions with the established Anchorage formula.