Abu Dhabi: Talks aimed at ending the prolonged war in Ukraine have begun in the UAE, with representatives from Russia, Ukraine and the United States holding a second day of discussions on a peace framework proposed by US President Donald Trump.
The negotiations, which started on Tuesday, mark the first phase of direct engagement between Ukrainian and Russian representatives following an initiative by the Trump administration. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the talks will continue over two days and form part of broader diplomatic efforts to achieve a political settlement to the conflict.
Ukraine has said the discussions are being shaped largely by Russian conditions and proposals. Earlier, Kyiv and several Western European countries criticised the initial US draft, arguing it favoured Moscow. Russia, meanwhile, has rejected suggestions of deploying a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine.
Control of the Donbas region remains the central obstacle. The Kremlin has reiterated its demand that Ukrainian forces withdraw from the area, while Ukraine says it still controls around 20 per cent of eastern Donbas and considers Russia’s terms unacceptable. Moscow has warned it will seek full control of eastern Ukraine if negotiations fail.
As talks continue, fighting on the ground has intensified. At least one person was killed and 22 injured in Russian strikes on Kyiv and Kharkiv. Attacks on infrastructure left thousands in Kyiv without heating during freezing temperatures, prompting the European Union to accuse Russia of deliberately exposing civilians to extreme cold.
While President Trump has expressed confidence that both sides are moving closer to a peace agreement, analysts caution that deep divisions remain and the outcome of the talks is still uncertain.
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