Delegates Meet in Abu Dhabi for Ukraine Peace Discussions

UPDATE - follow-up to Ukraine peace talks resume with 'some flexibility' by warring sides, US officials say: The first round of Abu Dhabi discussions wrapped up after four hours on Tuesday, with top delegates from Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow set to meet again on Wednesday.

Reactions

President Volodymyr Zelensky described the initial meetings as productive and substantive, though he did not attend in person. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed that view from Paris, calling the session very productive. Jared Kushner told attendees that American mediators had narrowed the gaps between the two sides.

Key Issues

Humanitarian matters such as prisoner swaps came up during the talks, alongside the major sticking point of eastern territory control. Moscow insists that Ukraine give up remaining parts of the Donetsk region, while Kyiv wants to freeze the current battle line. European officials also participated in sideline meetings, pushing for a role in shaping long-term continental security despite Russian reluctance.

Context

These diplomatic efforts form part of wider international attempts to stop the ongoing conflict. High-level peace talks face deep challenges because both sides hold opposing views on borders and post-war security guarantees.