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

Russian and Ukrainian delegations met in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday for their first direct peace negotiations since February. The two-day session, brokered by the United States, is being mediated by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. This diplomatic initiative follows recent comments by US President Donald Trump, who suggested that a broad settlement to end the four-and-a-half-year conflict is attainable. Russia currently maintains control over approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, and observers note that the two sides remain far apart on core settlement terms.

While the main trilateral negotiations proceed, European representatives from France, Germany, the UK, Italy, the EU, and NATO are present in Abu Dhabi to participate in separate sideline briefings. Moscow has expressed opposition to direct European involvement in the core negotiations, asserting that security matters should be addressed post-ceasefire. Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov emphasized his team's commitment to ensuring European participation in the broader process. The Russian delegation is led by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky and includes Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and military official Yuri Zhigarlovsky. The talks are scheduled to conclude on Wednesday.