Russia, Ukraine hold US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi as fresh attacks kill civilians

Envoys from Russia and Ukraine met in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday for another round of United States-brokered negotiations aimed at ending the nearly four-year-long war, even as Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities killed civilians and damaged critical energy infrastructure .

Officials familiar with last month’s talks in Abu Dhabi said they produced limited progress but failed to resolve major disputes over territory, Ukraine’s future security alignment, and the lifting of Western sanctions on Russia. The current round is expected to continue for a second day, with mediators attempting to narrow differences on a partial ceasefire and confidence-building measures.

The talks were attended by delegations from Moscow and Kyiv along with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner , the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump . Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council chief Rustem Umerov described the discussions as “substantive and productive” , saying they focused on concrete steps and practical solutions .

According to Ukrainian and US officials, key points of discussion included a possible temporary ceasefire , protection of civilian and energy infrastructure , humanitarian corridors , prisoner exchanges , and security guarantees for Ukraine . The talks also addressed a framework for a broader political settlement and mechanisms to monitor compliance with any future truce.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned that a breakthrough would not come quickly, noting that while progress has been made, the most difficult issues remain unresolved. “The bad news is that the items that remain are the most difficult ones. And meanwhile the war continues,” Rubio said.

The Kremlin offered no details on the negotiations. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow remained open to a peaceful settlement but would continue its military campaign until Ukraine accepted Russia’s conditions, highlighting the wide gap that still separates the two sides.

The negotiations are taking place as the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between Russia and the United States nears expiry, adding urgency to diplomatic efforts to prevent a new nuclear arms race .

Meanwhile, the talks were overshadowed by renewed Russian strikes on Ukraine. On Wednesday, Russian forces used cluster munitions in an attack on a busy market in Druzhkivka , killing at least seven people and wounding 15 others, Ukrainian authorities said. The strike sharply dampened hopes for immediate progress.

Ukraine also reported a massive overnight assault involving more than 100 drones and dozens of ballistic missiles that targeted power plants and residential areas. More than 1,100 apartment buildings in Kyiv were left without heating during one of the coldest winters in years .

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attacks contradicted Moscow’s earlier assurances of a temporary pause on strikes against Ukraine’s power grid , which he said had been discussed during contacts between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin .

Analysts said Russia may be using limited diplomatic engagement while maintaining military pressure to gain leverage in negotiations. The Institute for the Study of War noted that Moscow could portray any short pause in attacks as a major concession while preparing for larger military operations.

While both sides signaled willingness to keep talking, officials acknowledged that the Abu Dhabi talks are unlikely to produce an immediate ceasefire . However, diplomats said they could lay the groundwork for limited agreements on humanitarian issues and energy security , testing whether broader peace negotiations are possible in the months ahead.