Ukraine, the United States and Russia have begun U.S.-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi, following consultations between Ukraine and European representatives, with Ukrainian negotiators focusing on ending hostilities, security guarantees, economic recovery and humanitarian issues.

The talks are restarting after a pause that began in February, when the Trump administration shifted its attention to the war in Iran.

The central divide remains stark: Vladimir Putin is demanding that Ukraine surrender significant territory and abandon the prospect of joining NATO, while Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejects those terms.

Jared Kushner said the initiative seeks a lasting security framework for Europe and Russia built on existing institutions and commitments, rather than one that replaces NATO.

Earlier rounds, including talks in Istanbul and Riyadh, yielded limited humanitarian steps and continued dialogue but no political breakthrough; the 2026 Abu Dhabi and Geneva discussions have not settled final terms.

A limited ceasefire covering Black Sea attacks may be more achievable than a broader deal, as both countries have an interest in restoring grain exports, while a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure appears less certain.

A temporary, localized ceasefire in the Kherson region, facilitated with Melania Trump’s help, enabled humanitarian aid and civilian evacuations and was respected by both sides, though Russia has rejected a longer nationwide truce.

Diplomacy continues alongside fighting, and Russia has intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure; a strike on a humanitarian aid distribution point in the Zaporizhzhia region killed at least 53 people, according to the article.

Separately, a drone attack near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant killed an employee there and a worker at a nearby thermal power plant; International Atomic Energy Agency director general Rafael Grossi condemned the attacks and warned they endanger nuclear safety, without assigning responsibility.

The conflict, which began in 2022, has settled into a costly stalemate marked by rising deaths and fatigue on both sides, with neither achieving a battlefield victory.

Officials offered no timeline for an agreement, saying they were moving as quickly as possible, but warned that neither side is likely to stop fighting if it fears the other will use a ceasefire to rearm.

Observers do not expect the negotiations to produce a breakthrough, and previous direct talks have yielded mainly exchanges of prisoners and the remains of fallen soldiers.