Russia, Ukraine and US start second day of Abu Dhabi peace talks

On the second day of Abu Dhabi peace talks, Russian, Ukrainian, and US officials resumed discussions aimed at resolving the conflict. Ukraine’s senior negotiator, Rustem Umerov, announced that the talks would initially involve a trilateral format, with the US and Russia, followed by separate meetings with European partners. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who is not attending, indicated that Monday’s discussions had covered humanitarian and security concerns, potentially paving the way for a summit of Russian, Ukrainian, and US leaders on Tuesday.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio termed the first day’s talks as productive, though no details were provided.

Despite the optimism surrounding the talks, there has been no significant progress or indications of major concessions from either side. Russian troops maintain control over a fifth of Ukraine, but the stakes extend beyond territorial gains. Both sides seek security guarantees, while Moscow insists Ukraine adopt a neutral status and refrain from joining NATO.

Each side accuses the other of initiating attacks, with recent strikes by Russia targeting Ukrainian power infrastructure and a drone attack in Russia resulting in casualties. On the other hand, Ukraine has increased assaults on Russian military installations, including oil refineries.

Hostilities continue unabated, with both sides claiming recent attacks. While Russian forces have slowed their advances, they have intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. The US has pushed Kiev to reach an agreement, warning of dire consequences if no deal is reached. President Trump has expressed increasing pressure on Kyiv, suggesting the war may end soon, but has previously overestimated the likelihood of a breakthrough.

European officials, galvanized by Trump’s renewed push for peace, are advocating for their presence at the negotiating table to avert what they deem Europe’s gravest conflict since World War II. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized the need for a broad European security framework before delving into the specifics of the war, rejecting the idea of a ceasefire.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the Russian delegation has not been in communication with European counterparts at the talks and stated that Putin is constantly briefed on the proceedings. Despite recent Russian advances at the front, Putin’s insistence on Ukraine surrendering the Donbas region remains a sticking point, with Zelenskiy adamantly refusing to cede any territory.