US-brokered talks: Media: Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi concluded

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a potential three-way summit in Abu Dhabi to discuss ending Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The discussions will focus on de-escalation in energy sector conflicts and prisoner exchanges on the second day of talks. This marks the first direct talks between Ukraine and Russia at the working level in over eight months, mediated by the United States.

US mediator Jared Kushner expressed optimism about constructive conversations aimed at ending the "devastating war." However, Russian President Vladimir Putin remains skeptical about breakthroughs, believing economic incentives alone will not sway him. The US has sent "the wrong signals" regarding this issue, according to Putin.

Despite initial confusion over whether a prisoner exchange agreement was reached on day one, Zelensky stated that a large exchange was discussed, possibly 1,000 against 1,000 or even 1,500 against 1,500. The US delegation plans to travel to Russia with this agenda following the talks. The Russian side also brought up the territorial issue, stating it is a matter for heads of state, but Ukraine's negotiators have not agreed to discuss it.

Ukraine has consistently refused territorial concessions to Russia in any peace deal. Zelensky has also ruled out traveling to Moscow for a potential summit with Putin, while Putin has signaled willingness to talk but has not agreed to a neutral location like Abu Dhabi or Geneva. Ukrainian media reported a purported agreement on a large prisoner exchange after the first day of talks, but this has not been officially confirmed by Moscow.