Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on March 2 that there are currently no updates regarding the planned trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia, which was set to take place in Abu Dhabi. The meeting was tentatively scheduled for March 5-6.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of the meeting despite the ongoing military actions, stating, “We cannot confirm Abu Dhabi at this time, but the meeting has not been canceled. It is crucial for us, and we support it. The outcomes and exchanges are significant.” He also noted that alternative locations might be considered if challenges arise due to Iranian airstrikes.
He mentioned Turkey and Switzerland as potential venues, which have previously hosted successful meetings. Zelensky expressed hope for a response from partners regarding the logistics of the meeting.
On February 26, Zelensky had indicated that the trilateral talks were expected to occur in early March. Following recent military actions in the region, he stated that the timing and location would depend on security conditions and diplomatic feasibility.
In January and February, several rounds of trilateral discussions took place, aimed at ending the conflict. While specific outcomes were not disclosed, a significant agreement on prisoner exchanges was reached during the February 5 meeting, marking the first such arrangement in five months.
On February 28, Israeli forces conducted strikes on Iranian territory, which were followed by U.S. President Donald Trump announcing the initiation of large-scale military operations against Iran. In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched drone and ballistic missile attacks targeting Israel and U.S. military bases in several Middle Eastern countries, with reports of explosions in Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the trilateral meeting with the US and Russia in Abu Dhabi is uncertain due to ongoing military actions. Alternative venues are being considered as security conditions evolve.