UAE optimistic Russia-Ukraine talks will achieve positive breakthrough

The UAE expresses optimism that upcoming US-mediated talks between Russian and Ukrainian diplomats will result in a positive breakthrough, according to diplomatic adviser Dr Anwar Gargash. The two-day talks, which concluded on Wednesday, are the final session in a series hosted by the UAE, with the US and Russia confirming participation.

Dr Gargash highlighted Abu Dhabi's role in facilitating dialogue and bridging differences, stating the UAE ambition for the talks to lead to a resolution ending the war. Russian and Ukrainian officials have confirmed the talks, with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy describing Tuesday's first day as "constructive and substantive."

The discussions centered around prisoner releases and security guarantees. The UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, welcomed the talks in Abu Dhabi, expressing hope for practical steps towards ending Russia's war on Ukraine. The talks, now in their third round, come after months of positive discussions with Russian and Ukrainian leadership.

However, despite the talks, Russia struck six large electricity substations across Ukraine's central regions on Wednesday, Prime Minister Sergey Korotkyi reported. The strikes also targeted railways in eastern and central Ukraine.