US brokers first Russia-Ukraine peace talks in nine months in Abu Dhabi

The United States has brokered the first peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in nine months, bringing delegations to Abu Dhabi for a third round of negotiations while fighting continues. Five Russian negotiators, including chief envoy Vladimir Medinsky and GRU military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov, are meeting five Ukrainian counterparts, with two Americans mediating. Ukraine's delegation includes security chief Kyrylo Budanov and parliamentary leader Davyd Arakhamia, while Russia has added deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov to the talks. The US team consists of special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who lack diplomatic experience but maintain close ties to President Trump. France claims European representation, but Moscow has refused to allow EU officials at the negotiating table.