US-brokered negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian officials have resumed in Abu Dhabi, with the second round of talks getting under way on Wednesday. The discussions are expected to continue for a second day on Thursday.
Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s national security council chief and lead negotiator, confirmed the start of talks in a Facebook post. He said Kyiv is working to achieve a “dignified and lasting peace” under directives from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The talks are being held in a trilateral format involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States. The first round of negotiations in the Emirati capital took place on 23 and 24 January. US representatives include special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
No official statements have been issued on the outcome of the current talks, but negotiators are expected to address key sticking points, including Russia’s demand for territorial concessions and security guarantees for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, attacks on Ukraine have continued. Officials reported a “massive” drone strike in the southern region of Odesa.
