Ukraine and Russia resume talks in Abu Dhabi with US mediation

Ukraine and Russia resumed diplomatic talks Tuesday in Abu Dhabi under US mediation, marking their first meeting in nine months amid hopes of ending over four years of war. The talks, which continue Wednesday, involve Ukrainian negotiator Roustem Oumerov, Russian envoy Vladimir Medinski, and US emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Washington seeks a "new" security framework for Ukraine, Russia, and Europe, while Kyiv maintains modest expectations. Russia continues striking Ukraine's energy grid, with 162 drones and a ballistic missile launched overnight. A recent US-brokered ceasefire in Kherson offered rare optimism, though positions remain far apart on territorial withdrawals and security guarantees.