Russia, Ukraine begin 2nd round of US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi

The second round of U.S.-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine started in Abu Dhabi, a member of the Ukrainian delegation said on Wednesday.

"The next stage of negotiations in Abu Dhabi has begun," Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, said in a post on social media platform Telegram.

According to Umerov, also a member of the Ukrainian delegation, the negotiation process started in a "trilateral format" involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia.

"Next, work will be carried out in separate groups ... after which a repeat joint synchronization of positions is planned," he said.

The Ukrainian official stressed that the delegation is working to "achieve a dignified and lasting peace."

The talks are scheduled to run for two days. This follows an initial round held in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 24, which concluded without any concrete agreements or a joint statement.