The U.S.-led push to end Russia’s nearly 4-year-old war in Ukraine gained momentum late last year and is moving ahead in 2026, with leaders, diplomats and envoys traveling to a flurry of meetings to discuss a potential deal.

[Editor's note: Follow the Khaleej Times' live blog for real-time updates on the trilateral talks taking place in Abu Dhabi] Ukrainian, Russian and US officials meet in Abu Dhabi on Friday for talks on a US-drafted plan to end the Ukraine war.

U.S. President Donald Trump used the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to unveil a proposed “ Board of Peace ” for Gaza, bringing leaders from more than a dozen countries onstage Thursday, although many top American allies aren’t participating in the board.

Britain’s prime minister called the comments “insulting” and “appalling,” fueling concerns across Europe about U.S. reliability as an ally.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he had a "good meeting" with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and believed both the Ukrainian leader and Russian President Vladimir Putin "want to make a deal" to end the war in Ukraine.