Russia-Ukraine talks turn to post-war security but end without breakthrough

What the report says

Talks in Abu Dhabi involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States ended after a second day without a breakthrough, according to BBC World News. The discussions focused less on battlefield details and more on a possible post-war security framework for Europe, a subject that remains central to any eventual peace deal.

The BBC reported that the American side said it saw some openings, but Ukrainian negotiator Davyd Arakhamia described the session as one of the toughest so far. He said Russian representatives arrived with very firm instructions, while also expressing hope that momentum could continue and that another round of talks could be arranged soon. Both Moscow and Kyiv confirmed that a large prisoner-of-war exchange is being prepared.

The article said US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were due to travel on Thursday to Moscow to meet President Vladimir Putin and then to Dublin to speak with President Volodymyr Zelensky. The talks are being shaped by competing ideas on what guarantees Ukraine should receive after the war, and how much influence Nato should have in eastern Europe. European and Nato representatives were also in Abu Dhabi, reflecting wider concern that any settlement will affect the continent’s future security.

A major sticking point remains territory in Donetsk, which Russia mostly occupies. The BBC said the sides still disagree on whether a ceasefire should come before or after a wider deal, underscoring how far apart they remain despite continued diplomacy.