UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, in a visit coinciding with ongoing U.S.-Russia-Ukraine diplomatic efforts hosted by the UAE in Abu Dhabi.
The meeting followed Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the first round of trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States on January 23-24, 2026, highlighting the UAE’s growing role as a trusted mediator in international conflicts. The talks focused on territorial issues, security guarantees, and political pathways forward but concluded without a breakthrough. A second round is tentatively scheduled for February 1.
During the Kremlin meeting, the leaders discussed strengthening the UAE-Russia strategic partnership and expanding cooperation across trade, investment, technology, space, and energy. Sheikh Mohamed expressed hope that 2026 would bring progress for Russia and further development in bilateral relations, emphasizing that the UAE-Russia relationship is founded on long-standing trust and mutual respect.
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments. Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution, stressing the need for intensified efforts toward a just and comprehensive Middle East peace based on the two-state solution.
Sheikh Mohamed thanked President Putin for supporting the UAE’s mediation efforts in prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine. In response, Putin welcomed Sheikh Mohamed and expressed appreciation for the UAE’s facilitation of trilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.
