MOSCOW/ABU DHABI — The Kremlin indicated on February 13, 2026, that a third round of trilateral peace talks is expected to convene “soon.” This follow-up to the recent Abu Dhabi summit suggests a quickening pace in the diplomatic effort to end the conflict, though a definitive date remains unconfirmed.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Key Developments in the Diplomatic Push
- The Miami Proposal: The United States has formally proposed hosting the next round in Miami, potentially as early as February 16 or 17.
- Kremlin Response: Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov noted a “certain understanding” regarding the schedule but emphasized that Moscow is still evaluating the formal invitation.
- The “Abu Dhabi Success”: Negotiations in the UAE earlier this month paved the way for a swap of 314 prisoners, the largest exchange since late 2025, providing a much-needed boost to “trust-building” measures.
The Negotiating Landscape
While the dialogue has resumed, the core demands of both nations remain sharply polarized:
| Party | Primary Objectives / Demands |
| Russia | Full withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the four annexed regions; removal of Western sanctions as a prerequisite for a final deal. |
| Ukraine | Concrete, multi-national security guarantees; refusal to concede territory without a permanent ceasefire; postponement of elections until peace is secured. |
| United States | Brokering a finalized agreement by June 2026, applying heavy diplomatic pressure on both Kyiv and Moscow to find a middle ground. |
The Road Ahead
The next 48 hours are viewed as a “make-or-break” window for the Miami summit. Despite the progress on prisoner exchanges, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has voiced skepticism, accusing the West of “bad faith” for maintaining economic sanctions while the talks proceed.
For President Zelenskyy, the priority remains securing a framework that allows for national elections, which he insists can only happen under a stabilized, internationally-monitored peace.
