US-Mediated Ukraine-Russia Talks Resume in Abu Dhabi
US mediated talks resumed in Abu Dhabi as Russia pressed territorial demands and fighting continued on the ground.
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — Ukrainian and Russian delegations concluded the first day of a new round of negotiations on Wednesday, with talks mediated by the United States as efforts continue to end Europe’s largest war since World War II. A source told Reuters the discussions will resume Thursday.
Photos released by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs showed the delegations seated around a U-shaped table, with U.S. officials in the center, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Ukraine’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov said teams initially met separately on specific issues before a joint session to coordinate positions.
As talks opened, Russian forces struck a crowded market in eastern Ukraine with cluster munitions, killing at least seven people and injuring 15, according to regional officials. Key disputes include Moscow’s demand that Kyiv cede territory, the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and Russia’s insistence that Ukrainian troops withdraw from all of Donetsk. Ukrainian officials reject territorial concessions, citing public opposition and heavy Russian losses.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Theophilos hailed the ceasefire as a hope for lasting peace in the Holy Land.
