US presses for European role as Ukraine talks begin in Abu Dhabi

Trilateral talks on Ukraine are set to begin in Abu Dhabi, with the US pressing for a European role in negotiations. The Russian delegation has arrived in the UAE for the meetings, which will focus on ceasefire monitoring, post-war security, and diplomatic solutions. The talks will be trilateral between Russia, Ukraine, and the US as mediator, with European partners holding separate coordination meetings. US officials report private flexibility from both sides on Donetsk, while Russia's Lavrov says talks will focus on principles for a comprehensive solution. The UN reports record civilian casualties in September, with 328 killed and 2,105 injured, an 85% increase from last year. Russian strikes on energy infrastructure have caused widespread blackouts, with half of Ukraine's regions experiencing power outages.