Russia and Ukraine begin US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi

US-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine began in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, marking the first substantive negotiations between the two countries since February. The US seeks a "final end" to the war, with talks also following joint US-Israel strikes on Iran and midterm election losses for Donald Trump. The Trump administration's proposal includes a new "long-term security architecture" between Russia and Europe, but European officials worry Russia will demand Nato reduce its military footprint in eastern Europe. US officials said negotiators could revive the Nato-Russian council and potentially lift sanctions, while discussing security guarantees for Ukraine similar to Nato's article 5. European delegations from Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and the EU will meet US negotiators in Abu Dhabi, though critics express scepticism about the guarantees' trigger conditions. Russia's 2021 demands to Nato, which were rejected before its invasion, remain a concern for European leaders.