Another attempt to end the war: Russia and Ukraine return to the negotiating table

After nine months of deadlock, representatives of Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are meeting in Abu Dhabi for a new round of talks. A US official said some flexibility is emerging on the issue of territories, but disagreements remain deep and the path to an agreement is still long.

After nine months of diplomatic deadlock, representatives of Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are meeting today (Tuesday) in Abu Dhabi for a new round of talks in an attempt to end the war that has been going on for nearly five years. A senior US official told Reuters that for the first time in a long time, some flexibility is emerging from Moscow and Kyiv on the issue of territories, but stressed that the path to a settlement is still long. The talks on behalf of the United States will be led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The disagreements remain deep: Putin demands concessions on additional territories in eastern Ukraine, and Zelenskyy refuses to recognize Russian sovereignty and demands security guarantees. Another dispute concerns European involvement – the Trump administration seeks to include European representatives, but the Kremlin opposes. Witkoff and Kushner are also expected to meet with representatives from Germany, France, Britain, and Italy. Trump said in an interview on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine are 'very close' to an agreement, but it is unclear whether the new round of talks will succeed in bringing a breakthrough.