US-Backed Russia-Ukraine Talks Begin in Abu Dhabi

Delicate negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by the US, begin Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, while G-7 foreign ministers meet in Paris. This follows President Donald Trump's statement that Ukraine will ultimately have "a somewhat different form" after the war. The Abu Dhabi talks, announced by US envoy Steve Witkoff, focus on ending the war, post-war security arrangements, and de-escalation. European leaders pushed for participation, with France and the EU confirming their presence. Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov said Kyiv will hold separate coordination meetings with European partners, though the Kremlin insists the format is trilateral only. Trump, under pressure after his Republican party's midterm defeat, claimed a "very big agreement" with Russia is near. He cited personal animosity between Presidents Zelenskyy and Putin as the main obstacle. Meanwhile, a multinational European force of 2,800 soldiers began exercises in Poland, which Moscow condemned as a provocation.