Russian, Ukrainian and US officials opened a second day of talks in Abu Dhabi after a first day that Kyiv and Washington called constructive. No early sign of a breakthrough has emerged, and Moscow and Kyiv went into the talks far apart on terms for a possible settlement.
Russian, Ukrainian and US officials began a second day of peace talks in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, according to Reuters. Kyiv and Washington had depicted Monday's meetings as constructive, but they produced no early signs of a breakthrough.
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators gave no details after Monday's US-brokered talks, the first between the two warring sides since February. Ukraine's top negotiator, Rustem Umerov, said on Telegram that a trilateral format with the United States and Russia would come first, followed by a separate meeting with European partners.
Territory and security guarantees divide the sides
Russian forces control about a fifth of Ukraine, but territory is not the only issue. Both sides want future security guarantees, and Moscow demands that Ukraine adopt neutral status and not join NATO.
Publicly, there is no sign that Putin is willing to drop his demand that Ukraine surrender the entire eastern region of Donbas before a deal. Zelenskiy, however, has repeatedly refused to hand over land that Ukrainian troops have died defending.
Europe's role is also contested. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow prefers negotiating a broad European security framework before tackling the specifics of the war. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said wider security talks should only come after a ceasefire, and Lavrov rejected a truce.
Attacks continue during the talks
Each side said the other had launched attacks overnight, and Reuters could not verify the reports. Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi said Russia struck six large electricity substations in Ukraine's four central regions.
Russia, for its part, said its forces struck a cargo vessel in the Black Sea southwest of Odesa that was carrying weapons and military equipment. TASS, citing the regional governor, reported that drone debris killed two people in Russia's Smolensk region.
Washington pushes for a deal
According to Reuters, Trump said it is time for Ukraine to end the war or face "a very bad thing". Reuters noted that he has frequently predicted breakthroughs that have not materialised.
The second day is the last day when meetings are scheduled.
Source: Reuters via Investing.com
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