Ukraine peace talks postponed after U.S. and Russian envoys meet in Florida

Feb. 1, 2026 — A second round of trilateral talks meant to help end the war in Ukraine was postponed for several days after a surprise meeting this weekend between Russian and U.S. negotiators in Florida. The talks, among representatives from Russia, Ukraine and the United States, had been expected on Sunday in Abu Dhabi but were moved to Wednesday and Thursday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

On Saturday, Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy, met in Florida with Kirill Dmitriev, the Kremlin’s special envoy and head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund. Neither side released details of the discussions; Mr. Witkoff said on social media that the meeting had been “productive and constructive.” The Ukrainians were not at the table.

Mr. Zelensky suggested last week that tensions between the United States and Iran could delay the peace talks and said on Saturday night that Ukrainians had been regularly talking to the Americans and were waiting for them to provide details on further meetings. “We are counting on meetings next week and are preparing for them,” he said.

The first round of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi was held on Jan. 23 and 24 and was described by Kyiv, Moscow and Washington as “constructive.” Still, major sticking points remain: the fate of Ukrainian-controlled territory in Donetsk and the security guarantees Ukraine would receive to protect against future attacks.

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