Ukraine peace talks resume with 'some flexibility' by warring sides, US officials say

What the report says

US officials say Russia and Ukraine have shown limited private flexibility on the future of Ukraine’s eastern territories, as senior representatives from Kyiv, Moscow and Washington prepare to meet in Abu Dhabi for the first trilateral peace talks since February. The BBC reports that the discussion is expected to focus on postwar security concerns, including how any future arrangement might protect Ukraine and address Russian demands over territory.

A main sticking point remains Donetsk, much of which is occupied by Russia. Moscow wants Kyiv to give up the parts it still controls, while Ukraine wants to hold that line in place because it sees the area as important to its security. According to the US official quoted by the BBC, neither side has changed its public position, but both have reportedly signaled some willingness to discuss the issue privately. The official also said territorial questions could not be resolved without agreement on a wider security framework.

The article says the US side, including Jared Kushner and peace envoy Steve Witkoff, is pushing for talks on what comes after the war, including consultations, crisis hotlines and possible de-escalation measures. European leaders, who have been largely left out of earlier negotiations, are seeking a role in any future process, and Ukraine has also said Europe should be involved.

The BBC notes that the talks take place against a backdrop of continued Russian strikes on Ukraine, including a deadly attack in Zaporizhzhia last week. It adds that the latest round follows an earlier Geneva meeting in February that ended without progress.