Sun Feb 01 13:19:31 UTC 2026: ### Russia and Ukraine Set to Resume Peace Talks Amid Continued Conflict

The Story:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the next round of trilateral peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. will take place on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, and Thursday, February 5, 2026, in Abu Dhabi. This follows a “constructive meeting” between a top Russian envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, and the U.S. peacemaking delegation in Florida on January 31, 2026. Despite ongoing negotiations, stark differences remain between Moscow and Kyiv regarding a potential peace agreement, particularly concerning the status of occupied territories in Ukraine, especially the Donbas region.

The announcement coincides with continued military actions. A Russian attack drone struck a maternity hospital in Zaporizhzhia, wounding three women. Russia also launched 90 attack drones overnight into February 1, 2026, with 14 hitting nine locations across Ukraine, resulting in casualties in Dnipro and Kherson.

Key Points:

  • Next round of peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. scheduled for February 4-5, 2026, in Abu Dhabi.
  • Ukraine expresses readiness for substantive talks aimed at a “real and dignified end to the war.”
  • Russia and Ukraine remain divided on the issue of Russian-occupied territories, especially Donbas.
  • Russian forces struck a maternity hospital in Zaporizhzhia and launched numerous drone attacks across Ukraine on February 1, 2026.
  • The U.S., under the Trump administration, has been actively attempting to broker a peace deal for the past year.

Critical Analysis:
The simultaneous pursuit of peace talks and the continuation of military strikes suggests a strategy of negotiation under pressure. Russia’s agreement to temporarily halt attacks on Kyiv may be a tactical maneuver to gain leverage in the negotiations, or a genuine attempt to de-escalate while other areas of strategic importance are being aggressively targeted. The timing of the strikes, coinciding with the announcement of peace talks, could indicate an effort to strengthen Russia’s negotiating position by demonstrating its military capabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The peace process is fragile, with significant obstacles remaining despite ongoing negotiations.
  • Military actions continue to undermine trust and complicate the path toward a lasting resolution.
  • The U.S. remains a key player in the peace process, actively seeking a compromise.
  • The status of occupied territories remains the most contentious issue between Russia and Ukraine.
  • The attacks on civilian infrastructure, like the maternity hospital, highlight the human cost of the conflict.

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