US-brokered Russia-Ukraine talks conclude without a significant breakthrough achieved

US-Russia-Ukraine Talks Continue in UAE Amid Ongoing Conflict

A second day of United States-brokered talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the US concluded without an agreement, with both sides expressing openness to further dialogue. The discussions, held in Abu Dhabi, focused on parameters for ending the war and security conditions required to achieve this.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that bilateral discussions centered on these topics, while also allowing for direct engagement between Ukraine and Russia. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner participated alongside Ukrainian chief negotiator Rustem Umerov and military intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov.

Russian military intelligence and army representatives attended the talks as well. A UAE government statement described the discussions as “constructive and positive,” tackling outstanding elements of Washington’s peace framework.

On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his country’s insistence on Ukraine withdrawing from its eastern area of Donbas. The region consists of Donetsk and Luhansk, with Russia controlling all of Luhansk.

Meanwhile, Kyiv City Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko reported that drone attacks on the city killed one person and wounded four others. Kharkiv regional head Oleh Syniehubov stated that drone attacks on Ukraine’s second-largest city wounded 27 people.

In response to the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Putin of acting “cynically.” The situation remains tense, with both sides expressing willingness to continue talks.

Source: Al Jazeera