Zelenskyy rules out ceding Donbas as Ukraine-Russia talks begin in Abu Dhabi

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated he will not cede the Donbas region in peace negotiations, warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin would interpret such a concession as an invitation to further occupation. New trilateral talks between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the US, are taking place in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The agenda includes a path to peace and security guarantees for both nations, with Ukraine and the US also holding separate discussions with European countries and EU representatives. Zelenskyy emphasized that Europe must play a larger role in the negotiations, calling it unthinkable to discuss security guarantees without European involvement. US President Donald Trump expressed belief a peace deal will happen, though it may result in a "somewhat different form" for Ukraine.