Despite ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, a landmark diplomatic effort involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States has concluded its first round of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The talks, hosted by the UAE, took place on January 23–24, 2026 and marked the first time all three sides have publicly sat together in negotiations since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. (The Kyiv Independent)

Intense Strikes Amid Diplomacy
Russian forces continued and even intensified their aerial assaults on Ukrainian cities while the peace talks were underway, underscoring the grim reality that war and diplomacy are happening simultaneously. According to Ukrainian officials, more than 370 drones and over 21 missiles were launched in a massive attack on Kyiv and Kharkiv, targeting critical energy infrastructure during an extreme winter cold snap. These strikes killed at least one person and caused widespread outages, leaving thousands without heating and electricity. (Herald Times –)

In Kharkiv, a maternity hospital and a dormitory housing displaced families were hit, injuring dozens including children, illustrating the toll on civilians as the fighting persists. (Herald Times –)

Talks End Constructively — But No Breakthrough
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the two-day talks as “constructive”, noting that delegates discussed potential frameworks for ending the nearly four-year-old war. The meetings covered a broad range of military, economic, and security issues, though no final peace agreement was reached. Negotiators agreed to reconvene for another round of discussions in Abu Dhabi on February 1, 2026. (The Kyiv Independent)

Key points of disagreement remain, especially over the Donbas region, where Russia insists that Ukrainian forces withdraw from the territory as a precondition for peace — a demand Ukraine has rejected. (Russia Matters)

U.S. envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, participated in the talks, signaling Washington’s renewed push for negotiated settlement, while Ukraine continues to demand strong Western security guarantees should a ceasefire or peace deal be achieved. (The New Indian Express)

As the conflict continues to devastate communities, the world watches whether diplomatic engagement can one day outweigh the rockets and missiles still falling across the frontlines.