The second round of the trilateral meeting of the US, Ukrainian, and Russian delegations on security issues held in Abu Dhabi on February 4-5 shows incipient signs of progress, contrary to doomsday predictions. One may even say that the format is gaining traction. First of all, the protagonists were represented at the highest level of the military and intelligence. Belying the prognosis of Secretary of State Marco Rubio that special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner wouldn’t be present, they did participate — presumably, President Donald Trump stepped in. 

Witkoff later commented that the parties discussed mechanisms and methods for the ‘practical implementation’ of the peace agreement. He noted, “Over the course of two days, the delegations held extensive discussions on the remaining open issues, including methods for ensuring a ceasefire and monitoring the cessation of military activity.”

According to Witkoff, the talks were constructive and focused on technical issues; an agreement on a prisoner exchange was reached; furthermore, the US and Russia agreed to resume military-to-military dialogue, which will be led by General Alexus Grynkevich, Commander of the US European Command on the US side. Witkoff flagged that this channel of communication, which was suspended before the Ukraine conflict began in 2022, is an important element in reducing risks and maintaining stability.

Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council (former defence minister) said the Russian side “was represented at a high military level” and the “work was substantive and productive, with an emphasis on........

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