US and Kyiv push for lasting Ukraine peace in Abu Dhabi and Paris talks

Trilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine began in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, with the US pushing for a "final end" to the conflict in the first substantive negotiation since February. The talks coincide with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meeting Ukraine's foreign minister in Paris. The US is proposing a "long-term security architecture" between Russia and Europe, potentially including Nato-style security guarantees for Ukraine, sanctions relief for Moscow, and reviving the Nato-Russia council. European officials express concern that Washington may press for concessions, including Nato pulling back forces from eastern Europe. President Trump has indicated Ukraine would cede territory in a settlement, while critics fear he and Vladimir Putin may negotiate over European leaders' heads. EU diplomat Kaja Kallas noted Russia already has obligations under existing security agreements it is not respecting.