Overview
- Kiev and Moscow began direct talks in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday under U.S. mediation, with negotiators meeting to address territory, prisoner exchanges and measures to de‑escalate the conflict.
- U.S. emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are leading mediation efforts and Kushner has urged creation of a "new" European security framework that would include Ukraine and Russia.
- Moscow has pressed for Ukrainian troop withdrawals from the Donetsk region, a demand that Kyiv rejects unless it receives concrete, long‑term security and financial guarantees.
- The delegations discussed the possibility of a large prisoner swap and U.S. envoys are expected to travel to Russia to press that issue, while talks will also cover energy and Black Sea security.
- Fighting and renewed Russian strikes on energy infrastructure continue, raising the risk of a harsh winter for millions in Ukraine and keeping civilian safety and basic services at the center of negotiations.