Ukraine-Russia Talks: First Day Concludes with US Mediation

The first day of consultations between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi, mediated by the United States, has concluded. Talks will continue on Thursday, according to a Reuters source.

The talks involved U.S. officials, including Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff and Jared Kushner. Ukraine's chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, stated that the teams will meet in separate groups to discuss specific issues, followed by a joint meeting.

Despite efforts to compromise, the two sides remain far apart on key issues, such as Moscow's demands for territories in the Donbas and the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russian forces will continue to fight until Kyiv makes 'decisions' that could end the war.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha argued that Russia is not winning the war and is paying a heavy price. Polls show that the majority of Ukrainians oppose territorial concessions to Russia.

The first round of talks took place last month in the United Arab Emirates. Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed an agreement for a prisoner exchange.