Russia and Ukraine hold second day of peace talks in Abu Dhabi

UPDATE - follow-up to Russia, Ukraine hold second day of U.S.-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi: Delegations from Moscow and Kyiv held a second day of U.S.-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday to find ways to end the war started by Russia's invasion nearly five years ago.

Meeting Details

Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service and leader of the Kyiv delegation, confirmed the start of the second day on social media. The envoys previously met for four hours on Tuesday at a neutral venue in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The negotiations are mediated by United States Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. Wednesday began with three-way talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, followed by Kyiv meeting with European officials.

Issues And Stances

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Tuesday's session constructive and substantive. The talks focused largely on humanitarian issues, including prisoner exchanges, returning captive Ukrainian civilians, and displaced children, alongside security guarantees. However, neither Russia nor Ukraine has shown willingness to compromise on core demands. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the meeting productive while noting that a breakthrough will take time. Hopes remain low for a major breakthrough in the first meeting between the delegations in nine months.

Ground Attacks

Meanwhile, fighting continues on the front line with little territory changing hands this year. Both nations continue using long-range missiles and drones against each other. Overnight, Russian strikes hit the southern Zaporizhzhia region and Kharkiv, wounding seven civilians and damaging property. Russia's Defence Ministry stated that air defences downed 627 Ukrainian drones overnight, with 150 intercepted over the St. Petersburg region according to Gov. Alexander Drozdenko. Drones also sparked a fire at the Ust-Luga oil export port, injuring three workers.

Context

These talks occur as Russia faces heavy economic strain and Ukraine deals with severe attacks on its power grid. Although Moscow opposes European involvement in direct negotiations, representatives from European governments, the European Union, and the nation's allies remain in Abu Dhabi to consult with the Ukrainian team.