Russian and Ukrainian officials begin US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi

Russian and Ukrainian delegations began two days of peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, marking the first direct diplomatic contact between the warring parties since February. The talks are mediated by U.S. presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, following President Donald Trump’s recent assertion that a comprehensive peace deal to conclude the four-and-a-half-year conflict is possible. The Russian delegation is led by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky and includes Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov along with military officer Yuri Zhigarlovsky.

While the United States leads the mediation, European powers including France, Germany, and the European Commission are actively seeking participation in the process to address broader continental security concerns. Russia has reportedly resisted direct European involvement in the negotiations. Consequently, Ukrainian chief negotiator Rustem Umerov held separate meetings with European, NATO, and EU representatives to brief them on the progress. Despite the diplomatic initiative, significant gaps remain between Moscow and Kyiv regarding settlement terms, especially as Russian forces currently maintain control over approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. These discussions are scheduled to continue through Wednesday, with stakeholders aiming to determine if a framework for ending Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II can be established.