Russia-Ukraine talks turn to post-war security but end without breakthrough

Negotiations between Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi aimed at resolving the five-year conflict ended without a breakthrough, though American officials noted "some openings". Ukrainian negotiator Davyd Arakhamia described the talks as one of the toughest, attributing the difficulty to Russia's insistence on strict directives.

However, he expressed optimism for future discussions. Both sides confirmed plans for a significant prisoner exchange. US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, are set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Dublin. The talks centered on "security architecture" in Europe, with Ukraine seeking reassurances of NATO support and Russia looking to limit NATO influence.

European nations, including Britain and the EU, participated but Russia dismissed their involvement. The key point of contention remains Ukraine's occupied eastern region of Donetsk, with Moscow demanding Ukraine cede control while Ukraine seeks to freeze the status quo. For an agreement to be reached, the war must end and territorial issues must be resolved, according to Kushner.