Ukraine and Russia show quiet flexibility on Donbas control, US officials say

Ukraine and Russia are privately showing some flexibility regarding control over eastern regions after the war ends, according to unnamed US officials cited by the BBC, ahead of talks in Abu Dhabi. A US official said neither side has publicly conceded positions, but both are showing flexibility behind closed doors. The official acknowledged the territorial issue cannot be resolved without discussing a new post-war security architecture, stating the two matters are interdependent. The talks in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11 are the first US-Ukraine-Russia meeting since winter. Russia continues demanding Ukraine cede Donbas, while Ukraine retains control of the strategically important Sloviansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration. Jared Kushner said talks will focus on post-war security issues, with Ukraine seeking allied assistance guarantees.