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

Russia and Ukraine resume negotiations in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and Wednesday under US mediation, after an eight-month pause, with limited expectations for a diplomatic breakthrough. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner lead the American delegation, while European representatives hold separate talks with Ukrainian and American officials. The last round in Geneva in February yielded no substantive results, and contacts ceased entirely after regional conflict erupted. Kyiv expresses skepticism about Moscow's seriousness, with a senior Ukrainian official saying no specific outcomes are expected. European nations fear Washington may impose terms unfavorable to Ukraine, while Russia seeks to exclude Europe from discussions and demands Ukrainian withdrawal from Donetsk.