What's happened
Ukrainian and Russian officials began direct talks in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, focusing on ending the war. Meanwhile, Russian missile strikes overnight killed one person and injured 27 in Kyiv and Kharkiv, complicating diplomatic efforts. The conflict remains deadlocked over territorial issues, especially in Donbas.
What's behind the headline?
The recent direct talks in Abu Dhabi mark a significant diplomatic development, yet the core issue remains unresolved: Russia's demand for Ukraine to withdraw from Donbas. The Russian missile strikes during the negotiations reveal Moscow's continued military pressure, undermining diplomatic efforts. The U.S. and Ukraine see the negotiations as a step forward, but Russia's insistence on territorial concessions suggests a prolonged deadlock. The international community's support, including military aid and generators, underscores the high stakes. Ultimately, Russia's strategy appears to be leveraging military force to extract territorial gains, while Ukraine and its allies push for a negotiated settlement that preserves Ukraine's sovereignty. The next few weeks will determine whether diplomacy can overcome military realities or if the conflict will persist indefinitely.
What the papers say
The Moscow Times reports that Russian missile strikes hit Kyiv and Kharkiv overnight, killing one and injuring 27, while Ukrainian officials condemn the strikes as 'Russian terror.' France 24 highlights the criticism of U.S. draft peace plans, noting Kyiv's focus on territorial issues and the deadlock over Donbas. Sky News emphasizes the complexity of the peace negotiations, with US and Russian envoys meeting in Abu Dhabi amid ongoing military strikes. All sources agree that territorial disputes, especially in Donbas, remain the main obstacle, and that Moscow's military actions continue to complicate diplomatic efforts. The articles collectively portray a tense, stalled process with ongoing violence undermining peace prospects.
How we got here
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has persisted since 2014, with recent escalation following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Diplomatic efforts have included multiple rounds of negotiations, often stalled over territorial disputes, particularly in the Donbas region. The U.S. and European countries have sought to mediate, with recent proposals aiming to establish security guarantees for Ukraine and resolve territorial issues, but progress remains limited amid ongoing Russian military strikes.
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