Russia, US, Ukraine talks conclude without breakthrough on ending war

Russia, Ukraine and the United States have concluded a second round of peace talks in Abu Dhabi, agreeing on a major prisoner exchange but leaving key political and security issues unresolved. The two-day negotiations were described as constructive by all sides. US special envoy Steve Witkoff said the delegations agreed to exchange 314 prisoners of war, the first such swap in five months. He said the talks were “detailed and productive” and showed that diplomacy was delivering results. Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, said the discussions focused on practical steps, while Russia’s envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, spoke of progress and positive movement. Russian state media later reported that 157 prisoners were exchanged by each side, with three Russian civilians also returned. 
The talks took place amid continued fighting. Ukraine accused Russia of launching air strikes and drone attacks during the negotiation period, including strikes on energy infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said more than 180 attack drones were deployed in a single night.Despite US pressure for a compromise, major differences remain. Russia is demanding that Ukraine withdraw its forces from the entire Donetsk region, a condition Kyiv has rejected. Ukraine has instead proposed freezing the conflict along current front lines and has reiterated its demand for control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control. 
Russia occupies about 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine. Fighting continues along large sections of the front line, particularly in the Donetsk region, as both sides consider the possibility of further talks. Before Thursday’s session concluded, Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev told state media: “Things are moving forward in a good, positive direction.” He also said active work was under way to restore Russia’s relations with the US, including within the framework of a US-Russia working group on the economy. However, he criticised what he described as attempts by European nations to “disrupt” and “meddle” in the process.