US and Russia Restart Military Talks After Ukraine Meeting

The United States and Russia agreed on Thursday to restart high-level military talks for the first time in more than four years. This decision came right after meetings in Abu Dhabi between American, Russian, and Ukrainian officials aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The talks mark a step toward better communication between the two countries' militaries, which stopped talking at that level just before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Background

The war in Ukraine started with Russia's full invasion in early 2022. It has become the deadliest fight in Europe since World War Two. Tensions between the US and Russia reached a high point, leading both sides to cut off regular high-level military contacts in late 2021. Even so, they kept a basic emergency line open to avoid accidents, like planes getting too close over international waters.

Since President Donald Trump began his second term, he has made ending the Ukraine war a top goal. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have spoken directly several times. US officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, have been active in peace efforts. These include recent rounds of talks brokered by the US between Russia and Ukraine.

The latest developments happen as the New START treaty expired on Thursday. That was the last big agreement limiting nuclear weapons between the US and Russia, the world's top nuclear powers. Russia said it no longer feels bound by limits on its nuclear warheads. Some groups worry this could start a new arms race. NATO has called for both sides to show restraint.

High-level military talks between the US and Russia used to happen often to share information and lower risks of mistakes. They stopped amid rising tensions over Ukraine. Restoring them now fits into broader efforts to calm things down, especially with the war dragging into its fourth year.

Key Details

The agreement was announced by the US military's European Command. Its head, General Alexus G. Grynkewich, was in Abu Dhabi for two days of trilateral talks with top Russian and Ukrainian military figures. Also there were US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, Witkoff, and Kushner.

The talks made some progress, though big issues remain. One result was a prisoner exchange of over 310 people between Ukraine and Russia, the first in five months. Witkoff called the negotiations detailed and productive.

"Maintaining dialogue between militaries is an important factor in global stability and peace, which can only be achieved through strength, and provides a means for increased transparency and de-escalation." – US European Command statement

The goal of the new military talks is to prevent miscalculations that could lead to bigger problems. Even during the cutoff, the US and Russia used a deconfliction line for urgent issues. Now, they plan fuller discussions at senior levels.

Talks in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi hosted the second round of direct Russia-Ukraine talks with US help. Obstacles include Russian control of parts of Ukraine. Moscow wants to keep some occupied land in any deal. Ukraine and its allies have pushed back on that idea. Still, the meetings ended with small wins like the prisoner swap.

Witkoff said steps like the exchange show that steady diplomacy can produce results. The war nears its fourth anniversary on February 24. Trump has proposed peace plans, but European leaders say they need changes. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy must accept any final deal.

What This Means

Restarting military talks could help both sides understand each other's moves better. This might lower the chance of accidents turning into conflicts, especially with nuclear issues in play after New START's end. For the Ukraine war, it signals possible de-escalation, though a full peace deal is far off.

The US sees this as part of building stability through clear communication. Russia may view it as a way to ease pressures from the West. For Ukraine, more talks mean hope for prisoners and aid, but also tough choices on land and security.

Global markets reacted to peace talk news. Oil prices dipped on expectations of more supply if the war winds down. NATO watches closely, urging calm on nuclear matters. Trump's team keeps pushing diplomacy, with more meetings likely soon.

European allies like Germany and France have weighed in on US peace ideas. They want deals that protect Ukraine's sovereignty. Putin and Trump may meet, as Russia has hinted. Prisoner releases give families relief after years of fighting.

The US military stressed that strength backs these talks. Transparent lines can prevent errors in busy areas like the Black Sea or Arctic, where both sides operate. As the war continues, this channel offers a practical tool for risk reduction.

Broader effects touch allies. NATO's leader warned of Russia and China's activity in the Arctic. Restored US-Russia dialogue might ease some strains there too. For now, the focus stays on Ukraine, with diplomats working daily.