US, Ukraine and Russia set for security talks in UAE
Ukrainian, US, and Russian officials are preparing for security talks in the United Arab Emirates. The meeting follows recent discussions in Moscow between US negotiators and Russian President Vladimir Putin on a US-drafted plan to end the Ukraine war. Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump have both commented on the potential for a peace deal, though major issues remain unresolved. The talks are expected to last two days, but details remain limited.
What we know
- US envoy Steve Witkoff and his team met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow before heading to Abu Dhabi for further discussions.
- The Russian delegation will be led by General Igor Kostyukov, director of Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency.
- Volodymyr Zelensky said a draft deal is "nearly, nearly ready" and that the UK and France have committed to forces on the ground.
- Russia is seeking full control of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region as part of any agreement, while Kyiv refuses to cede territory.
- Recent Russian strikes have left much of Kyiv without electricity and heat, intensifying the urgency of diplomatic efforts.
