Europe excluded from Ukraine peace talks as Abu Dhabi round fails to break deadlock

US-mediated Russia-Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi ended without a breakthrough, though both sides agreed to further meetings and a large-scale prisoner exchange. The first negotiations in nine months produced no progress on core peace issues. Key unresolved matters include ceasefire terms, the status of occupied regions, and security guarantees for Ukraine. Ukraine rejected a Russian proposal to surrender the Donbas, while Moscow continues striking Ukrainian infrastructure and insists on restructuring Europe's security architecture before any ceasefire. European representatives were present but excluded from formal negotiations, raising concerns about their role in future talks. US envoy Jared Kushner indicated European partners should join subsequent rounds, as the Trump administration's stance on key issues has drawn scrutiny.