Overview
- U.S.-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine, which opened Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, resumed direct negotiations that delegations described as constructive and planned follow-up sessions.
- Moscow pressed for Ukrainian troop withdrawals from Donetsk while Kyiv demanded firm, specific security guarantees and rejected territorial concessions under pressure.
- U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner proposed a 'new' security framework covering Ukraine, Russia and Europe, a formulation that some commentators say mirrors Kremlin language.
- Negotiators raised the possibility of a large prisoner exchange and said U.S. envoys will travel to Russia to pursue that swap and short-term de-escalation measures.
- Fighting and Russian strikes continued during the talks, including hits on energy infrastructure that have killed civilians and risk leaving millions without heat or power this winter.