Ukrainian and Russian delegations wrapped up the first day of new US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi, with Ukrainian officials describing the discussions as “substantive and productive.” The two-day trilateral meeting involves delegations from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, as Washington continues efforts to push both sides toward a negotiated settlement.
Ukraine’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov said the talks focused on concrete steps and practical solutions. A US official also termed the discussions productive, confirming that talks would resume the following day. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the negotiations must lead to genuine progress toward peace and not allow Russia to prolong the war. He also said Ukraine expected a new prisoner exchange as a result of the talks.
The discussions are taking place amid intensified fighting. Zelenskyy accused Russia of exploiting a US-backed energy truce to stockpile weapons and launch a record number of ballistic missile attacks. Shortly after talks began, Russian forces reportedly struck a crowded market in eastern Ukraine, killing and injuring civilians.
Despite renewed diplomatic engagement, major disagreements remain. Russia continues to demand territorial concessions, while Ukraine insists on freezing the conflict along current front lines and rejects any withdrawal of its troops. The war, now in its fourth year, continues to exact a heavy toll, with Zelenskyy estimating Ukrainian military deaths at around 55,000.
