US-brokered Russia-Ukraine peace talks open in Abu Dhabi

US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine opened Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, as Washington renews its push to end the nearly five-year war that has killed hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians. The two-day talks focus on security guarantees and a negotiated settlement. The talks occur amid ongoing hostilities, with Russia launching 162 drones and a ballistic missile at Ukraine overnight, while Russia reported shooting down 155 Ukrainian drones. Russian President Vladimir Putin demands Ukraine cede four annexed regions and abandon NATO membership, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejects territorial concessions and insists on security guarantees. US envoy Jared Kushner said a broader European security deal is being developed, with separate meetings planned with NATO and EU officials. Russia has objected to European involvement in the three-way talks but said EU representatives could join later.