Russia and Ukraine to hold US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi after Trump hints at peace deal

Russian and Ukrainian officials planned to meet Tuesday for two days of US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi, their first since February, following President Donald Trump's suggestion that a broad peace deal is possible in their 4-1/2-year-old war. European powers will send officials to the talks, but Russia opposes their direct participation, so Ukrainian delegates will brief European allies separately. The Russian delegation, led by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky, includes Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, while Ukraine's head delegate Rustem Umerov emphasized ensuring Europe's role in the diplomatic process. Trump predicted a deal could emerge soon after meeting Putin's envoy, though no public sign shows Putin dropping demands for Ukraine to surrender the Donbas region. Ukraine's recent battlefield gains in Donetsk have strengthened its negotiating position, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, while a US official suggested both leaders might compromise on territory.