What's happened
Ukrainian and Russian delegations met in Abu Dhabi for two days, marking their first direct talks since Russia's invasion in 2022. While no immediate results were achieved, both sides expressed optimism about future negotiations, with plans to meet again next Sunday. Despite diplomatic efforts, Ukraine faced ongoing missile and drone attacks, causing casualties and infrastructure damage.
What's behind the headline?
The recent talks in Abu Dhabi highlight a cautious diplomatic approach amid ongoing hostilities. While both sides appear to seek a resolution, substantive progress remains elusive, especially given Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine. The presence of high-level US officials and Russian military intelligence signals international interest in mediating peace, but Russia's demands for territorial concessions, particularly in Donbas, complicate negotiations. The positive tone from Zelensky suggests Ukraine remains committed to dialogue, yet the persistent military strikes and infrastructure damage underscore the fragile nature of any potential peace. This situation indicates that diplomatic efforts will likely continue alongside military pressure, with the next meeting potentially serving as a critical juncture for progress or further stalemate.
What the papers say
The NY Post reports that the two-day session in Abu Dhabi concluded without immediate results but with plans to continue talks next Sunday, highlighting a cautiously optimistic tone from Ukrainian President Zelensky. The article notes the presence of US envoys and Russian officials, including Vladimir Putin, and details ongoing missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, emphasizing the persistent conflict despite diplomatic efforts. Conversely, the New York Times provides context on the origins of the peace plan, describing its development since last fall and the complex issues at stake, such as territorial disputes and security guarantees. It also underscores Ukraine's skepticism about Russia's willingness to negotiate in good faith, given ongoing military actions. The articles together illustrate a diplomatic process fraught with tension, where international actors are attempting to facilitate peace amid ongoing violence, with no clear resolution in sight.
How we got here
The current negotiations stem from a peace plan initially negotiated between the Trump administration and Russia last fall, which has since been revised with input from Ukraine, the US, and European nations. The plan covers security, postwar reconstruction, and prisoner exchanges. Past talks have rarely involved direct meetings between Ukrainian and Russian officials, relying instead on US mediators. The ongoing conflict began with Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, leading to widespread destruction and casualties in Ukraine.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What’s the Latest on Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks and Ongoing Conflict?
The Ukraine-Russia conflict continues to dominate headlines, with recent diplomatic efforts in Abu Dhabi marking a new chapter in attempts to find peace. Despite these talks, violence persists, raising questions about the prospects for a resolution. Below, we explore what happened during the recent negotiations, whether peace is possible, and what the future might hold for Ukraine amid ongoing attacks and diplomatic negotiations.
More on these topics
-
Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
-
Admiral Igor Olegovich Kostyukov is a naval officer and is the current Head of the Russian General Staff's Main Intelligence Department.
-
Steven Charles Witkoff is an American real estate investor and landlord based in New York City, and founder of the Witkoff Group.
-
Jared Corey Kushner is an American investor, real-estate developer, and newspaper publisher who is currently senior advisor to his father-in-law, Donald Trump, the President of the United States.