Russia and Ukraine resume Abu Dhabi talks after eight-month pause

Russia and Ukraine resume direct negotiations in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday after an eight-month pause, with US mediation and talks scheduled through November 11. Expectations are limited as fighting and Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure continue. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner lead the American delegation, focusing on postwar security guarantees and territorial issues, particularly the Donetsk region. Both sides have shown private flexibility despite public positions, with Russia demanding Ukrainian withdrawal and Ukraine seeking to freeze the current front line. European representatives will hold separate consultations, as Ukraine insists on European involvement while Moscow opposes Western peacekeeping troops. A recent local truce in Kherson, promoted by Melania Trump, enabled humanitarian evacuations, though previous talks have only produced prisoner exchanges and no political solution.