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Geneva Today
By the People, for the People
Moscow Proposes Moving Ukraine Talks Back to UAE, Supported by Washington
The next round of negotiations on the Ukraine conflict may shift from Geneva to Abu Dhabi, per a Kremlin-backed proposal.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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According to a source cited by TASS, the idea to relocate the upcoming round of Ukraine negotiations from Geneva to Abu Dhabi originated in Moscow and has the backing of Washington. The source claims that Russia prefers the UAE as a more neutral venue compared to Switzerland, which has allegedly lost its status as a truly impartial host. Zelensky is said to have simply voiced the Kremlin's preference, as the U.S. also supports the shift in location.
Why it matters
The choice of negotiation venue can significantly impact the dynamics and outcomes of high-stakes talks like those surrounding the Ukraine conflict. Russia appears to view the UAE as more favorable ground compared to Geneva, which it sees as too closely aligned with reactionary European powers that could disrupt the proceedings.
The details
According to the TASS source, Russia's desire to move the talks back to Abu Dhabi, where previous Ukraine negotiations have taken place, stems from concerns over Switzerland's neutrality and the risk of European security advisers "breaking into the hall" and disrupting the negotiations. The source claims the Americans have also backed the proposal to shift the location.
- The next round of Ukraine negotiations was previously scheduled to take place in Geneva.
- Zelensky recently stated that the talks would now be held in Abu Dhabi.
The players
Russia
The source cited by TASS indicates that the idea to relocate the Ukraine negotiations from Geneva to the UAE originated in Moscow.
United States
According to the TASS source, Washington has expressed support for moving the Ukraine talks from Geneva to Abu Dhabi.
Volodymyr Zelensky
The current President of Ukraine, who recently announced that the next round of negotiations would be held in Abu Dhabi.
What they’re saying
“Returning the talks to Abu Dhabi is more Russia's wish, Zelensky only hastened to voice them, as the Americans also supported it. He's like a canary – he sang what he heard.”
— TASS source (TASS)
“In the end, Switzerland lost its status as a neutral power and excessive proximity to reactionary European countries does not contribute to the atmosphere of negotiations. Suddenly, next time, the European security advisers will not only drink tea under the doors in the lobby, but will start breaking into the hall. Why provoke them like that?”
— TASS source (TASS)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
The choice of negotiation venue is a critical factor in high-stakes talks like those surrounding the Ukraine conflict, as it can significantly impact the dynamics and outcomes. Russia's preference for Abu Dhabi over Geneva reflects its concerns about Switzerland's neutrality and the potential for disruption by European powers, which the U.S. also appears to support.
