Ukraine updates: Trilateral talks as Russia keeps up attacks

Negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are currently engaged in peace talks in Abu Dhabi, which began on Wednesday and are set to continue into Thursday. This round of discussions follows a significant escalation in hostilities, with Russia launching a massive onslaught on Ukrainian infrastructure earlier in the week. Despite the ongoing attacks, which continued overnight, the talks are seen as an opportunity to explore practical steps toward peace, including the potential for a prisoner exchange. The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umerov, has characterized the first day of negotiations as "productive" (France24). The primary focus of the discussions is the long-term fate of territory in eastern Ukraine, which remains a contentious issue between the two nations. While the Ukrainian side is advocating for "a just and lasting peace," Russian demands have reportedly not softened and remain unacceptable to Kyiv (France24, The New York Times). The ongoing military actions by Russia complicate the peace process, as the country continues to exert pressure on Ukraine through sustained attacks (DW). These talks are part of a broader effort to broker peace in the region, with the United States facilitating the negotiations. The discussions are taking place against the backdrop of the recent expiration of the last U.S.-Russia nuclear treaty, highlighting the tense geopolitical climate (France24). As the second day of talks unfolds, both sides are expected to continue addressing the critical issues at hand, with the hope of making progress toward a resolution to the ongoing conflict.