Ukraine, Russia, and U.S. Conclude Constructive Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi Amid Ongoing Airstrikes

Ukraine, Russia, and the United States have concluded two days of trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as "constructive." The discussions focused on potential frameworks for ending the ongoing conflict and the security guarantees necessary to support any agreement.

The Ukrainian delegation included Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov. Russia was represented by members of its armed forces and military intelligence, while the U.S. delegation featured President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and senior White House advisers.

Zelenskyy noted that the U.S. side proposed possible formats for formalizing a future settlement, emphasizing the need for American monitoring and oversight of any potential ceasefire or peace process.

All parties agreed to report back to their respective capitals on each aspect of the negotiations and to coordinate further steps with their leaders. Military representatives identified issues for a potential follow-up meeting.

The talks occurred against the backdrop of Moscow's largest aerial assault on Ukraine so far this year. Ukrainian officials reported that hundreds of drones and missiles struck Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other cities overnight, resulting in at least one death and leaving millions without power and heat amid subzero temperatures.

Zelenskyy stated that it was "too early" to draw conclusions from the talks and reiterated that Ukraine would not accept territorial concessions demanded by Moscow.