Russia and Ukraine Hold First Talks in Abu Dhabi Since February

Russian and Ukrainian representatives met for talks in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday for the first time since February, with Moscow seeking to discuss a new European security order. Ukraine reported a large-scale prisoner exchange was agreed, though Russia did not confirm this. The Russian delegation, led by presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky, includes senior diplomats and intelligence officials. Moscow insists on security guarantees that exclude Ukrainian NATO membership and foreign troops, while Western reports suggest the US seeks NATO-style guarantees for Ukraine. Russian officials mocked European representatives present in Abu Dhabi but not at the table. Russian state media and war bloggers have remained unusually quiet about potential concessions, with some warning against accepting territorial compromises. Hardline commentators argue the war's outcome will be decided on the battlefield, not at negotiations, as talks continue Wednesday.