Welcome to the latest updates from the Europe live blog, where we are covering the ongoing diplomatic efforts and military developments in the Ukraine conflict. Ukrainian and Russian officials are set to begin their second round of talks in Abu Dhabi, a significant meeting brokered by the Trump administration. These discussions are expected to follow a similar format to last month's negotiations, but expectations for an immediate breakthrough remain low, with both sides adopting a cautious stance.
Massive Russian Strikes Precede Talks
In a dramatic escalation just before the talks, Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reported that Moscow launched what he described as a massive and deliberate attack overnight from Monday into Tuesday. This assault occurred as temperatures in Kyiv plummeted to a frigid -20°C, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. According to Zelenskyy, the attack involved a record number of 71 ballistic missiles and 450 drones, specifically targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure in an attempt to cripple the nation during the harsh winter.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Tensions
The timing of these strikes has sparked intense international debate. US president Donald Trump has contested Ukraine's claims, arguing that the new attacks do not constitute a breach of Russia's week-long commitment to refrain from striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure amid freezing conditions. However, Nato chief Mark Rutte offered a contrasting view on Tuesday, stating that the attacks do not signal seriousness about peace, highlighting the deep divisions within the international community.
Meanwhile, under a proposal discussed between Ukrainian, European, and US officials, sources briefed on the discussions have informed the Financial Times that Kyiv has reached an agreement with western allies. This agreement stipulates that repeated breaches of any future ceasefire by Russia would trigger a coordinated military response from the US and Europe, underscoring the high stakes involved in the ongoing negotiations.
Broader Context: Nuclear Treaty Expiry
Adding to the geopolitical tension, as reported by Julian Borger, the New Start treaty between the US and Russia is set to expire on Thursday. This expiration will remove the last remaining mutual limits on the world's two biggest nuclear arsenals, raising concerns about a potential new arms race and further complicating the diplomatic landscape. The confluence of these events underscores the critical nature of the talks in Abu Dhabi, as the international community watches closely for any signs of progress or escalation.
