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Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi bring progress on prisoners but not on peace
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Russia and Ukraine agreed to the largest prisoner exchange of the war, involving over 1,000 prisoners from each side, during US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi, but made little progress on a broader peace agreement.
- The talks, led by Donald Trump’s envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, focused on security guarantees for Ukraine post-war, with some optimism expressed about a potential solution before the new year.
- Russia remains firm on its territorial demands, insisting on control over all of Donbas and parts of southern Ukraine, with Russian official Vladimir Medinsky stating peace would only be accepted on Russia’s terms.
- Medinsky emphasized the need for a new European security system, criticizing the current post-WWII order and suggesting broader negotiations that could limit NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe, raising concerns among European leaders.
- Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting continues with Russian drone attacks on Kyiv and Ukrainian strikes on the Ust-Luga port, a key Russian energy export route.
