US-brokered Russia-Ukraine talks resume in Abu Dhabi after 9-month pause

Russian and Ukrainian officials met in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday for their first US-brokered peace talks since February, following President Donald Trump's suggestion that a broad deal to end the war was possible. The meeting marks a renewed diplomatic push after months of stalled negotiations. US envoy Jared Kushner told delegates that recent contacts had narrowed gaps between the sides, with Trump committed to finding a solution. However, Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart on terms, with Ukraine seeking security guarantees and Russia prioritizing a broader European security framework before addressing the conflict's specifics. European officials are pushing for a role in the process, though Russia has excluded them from the main talks. Trump predicted a deal could emerge soon, but no public signs indicate Putin will drop demands for Ukraine to surrender the Donbas region, while Zelenskiy refuses to cede defended territory.