Abu Dhabi peace talks between Russia and Ukraine end without progress

Two days of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi, mediated by the US, ended without progress, marking the first such talks in nine months. The only concrete outcome was an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war, the largest swap since the conflict began. Beyond the prisoner exchange, no significant breakthroughs were achieved, with both sides trading accusations of overnight attacks. European officials insist a ceasefire is a prerequisite for substantive talks, a condition Russia rejects, while Ukraine refuses Russian demands to cede territory, with Russia currently controlling about one-fifth of Ukraine. US President Donald Trump expressed confidence the war is nearing an end, and envoy Jared Kushner pledged to speak with both presidents. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, visiting Denmark, reiterated his call for European participation in negotiations, from which Russians have barred them.