Russia-Ukraine peace talks enter second day in Abu Dhabi under US mediation

A new round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine moved into its second day in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, with the United States acting as mediator. Russian media, citing sources, reported the start of the day's session, and Rustem Umerov confirmed in a Telegram statement that negotiations had resumed.

According to Russian state media, the first day of trilateral talks on Tuesday lasted about 4 1/2 hours in total. The Russian delegation was scheduled to make a press statement in the afternoon after the trilateral talks, and a separate meeting with European representatives was to follow.

Russia's delegation is led by presidential envoy Vladimir Medinsky and includes Deputy Foreign Ministers Mikhail Galuzin and Sergey Ryabkov. Ukraine's delegation is led by Umerov and includes Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are taking part for Washington.

Ryabkov said after the first day that it was premature to assess the results. Secretary of State Rubio, speaking to reporters in France, described Tuesday's negotiations as very productive. Kushner said: "We are encouraged by the constructive discussions today."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the talks covered security guarantees for Ukraine in detail, including arrangements for making them effective over the long term. He said the sides also discussed possible humanitarian measures, with the release of prisoners stressed as a priority.

Zelenskyy said: "Real tools are needed to block any recurrence of the war. The need for de-escalation steps was also touched upon."

Before the trilateral session, American and Ukrainian officials met, with representatives of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, NATO and the European Commission also involved. These are the first Abu Dhabi talks since trilateral negotiations in Geneva in February; earlier rounds in January and February were also held in Abu Dhabi.