Russia and Ukraine to Hold US-Brokered Talks in Abu Dhabi

Russian and Ukrainian officials will meet Tuesday in Abu Dhabi for US-brokered talks, their first since February, following President Donald Trump's suggestion that a broad peace deal in the 4-1/2-year war could involve all of Europe. European officials from France, Germany, and the European Commission will attend, but Russia opposes their direct participation, so Ukrainian delegates will brief them separately. Russia's delegation, led by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky, includes Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and senior military officer Yuri Zhigarlovsky, with talks beginning around 0630 GMT. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says recent battlefield gains in Donetsk strengthen Kyiv's negotiating position, while a US official believes both sides may compromise on territory, though a senior Ukrainian official denied any concessions. A prior truce on energy targets collapsed, and G7 foreign ministers will discuss Ukraine Tuesday in Paris.