Ukraine and Russia set another round of direct talks as attacks continue during diplomacy
Ukraine and Russia are preparing for a second round of direct, U.S.-mediated talks after a first meeting described as constructive by Kyiv. But the diplomatic push is unfolding amid continued missile and drone strikes, deepening skepticism about how quickly the fighting can be curtailed.
A second meeting is planned after initial discussions
Ukraine and Russia have agreed to another round of face-to-face peace talks, mediated by the United States and expected to take place on February 1, 2026, in Abu Dhabi. The planned follow-up comes after a two-day set of meetings that U.S. officials framed as a meaningful step in the effort to end the war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the discussions as constructive, while Ukraine’s foreign minister publicly criticized Moscow for continuing missile and drone attacks during the diplomatic process. That combination—talks in one venue and strikes in another—has fueled doubts in Kyiv and among allies about Russia’s willingness to reduce violence as negotiations advance.
Attacks during negotiations intensify pressure on both sides
Russian strikes have continued to hit major Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, according to reporting during the first round of talks. Ukrainian officials said the attacks caused casualties and damage, including disruptions to power and public services in winter conditions. The timing became a central theme of Ukraine’s public messaging: that diplomacy should not be used as cover for continued escalation.
Meanwhile, battlefield claims also continued. Reports suggested Russian forces captured a village in northeast Ukraine, while Ukraine carried out strikes in Russia’s Belgorod region that damaged infrastructure. Such developments can shift negotiating leverage, but they also complicate the creation of any credible ceasefire framework.
Sanctions enforcement and maritime scrutiny
Separately, European authorities have intensified scrutiny of vessels suspected of helping Russia evade sanctions. One report described French authorities intercepting a Russian-linked tanker for alleged violations, underscoring how the economic dimension of the conflict—energy shipments, insurance, and flagging—remains tightly bound to the diplomacy.
With another round scheduled, negotiators face immediate tests: whether any humanitarian measures can be agreed quickly, whether strikes will lessen as talks continue, and whether both sides will accept verification and enforcement mechanisms robust enough to matter on the ground.