According to a source close to Russian propagandists, recognition of the Donbas as Russian territory “by all countries” is seen as highly important by the Russian side.
The second round of negotiations between Ukraine, the United States and Russia began Feb. 4 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, following meetings Dec. 23-24, 2025.
Ukraine’s delegation is led by Rustem Umerov, secretary of the National Security and Defense Council. It also includes Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Presidential Office; David Arakhamia, leader of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction; Serhiy Kyslytsya, deputy head of the Presidential Office; Andriy Hnatov, chief of the General Staff; Oleksandr Bevza, an adviser to the Presidential Office; and Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of military intelligence.
The U.S. side includes special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner (son-in-law of President Donald Trump), Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, and Josh Gruenbaum, commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service at the General Services Administration.
Russia’s delegation is headed by Igor Kostyukov, chief of the GRU military intelligence agency. It also includes Alexander Zorin, first deputy head of the GRU’s information directorate, and Kirill Dmitriev, a Kremlin envoy.
Following the Feb. 4 meetings, Umerov described the discussions as “substantive and productive, focused on concrete steps and practical solutions.”
On the morning of Feb. 5, Umerov announced the start of the second day of talks in Abu Dhabi.