Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks End Without Breakthrough After Fresh Russian Strikes

Washington: Two-day talks between Russia and Ukraine on the initiative of America in Abu Dhabi ended on Saturday, but no agreement could be reached. Despite this, both the countries have said that they are ready for further talks. The next meeting may be held in Abu Dhabi again next week.

Meanwhile, Russia's latest air strikes have made Ukraine's situation more difficult. These attacks, which took place amid the harsh cold, caused power outages in large areas and millions of people were forced to live in darkness.

What happened in the talks?

Neither Russia nor Ukraine announced any agreements after the meeting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the purpose of the talks was to discuss possible ways and conditions to end the war. According to American officials, the atmosphere was serious, and both sides expressed their views openly.

Will talks continue?

A US official said that the next round could take place next Sunday. He said that the talks have now reached the finer issues and the way forward will be decided from there. The UAE government also said that representatives of Russia and Ukraine sat face-to-face, which has rarely been seen during this long war.

Is a leaders' meeting possible?

The American side hopes that if the talks progress, a meeting can also be held in Moscow or Kiev. The possibility of a direct meeting between Putin and Zelensky in the future or a meeting of the three leaders in the presence of US President Donald Trump has not been ruled out.

Why did Russia attack during negotiations?

Amid the talks, Russia launched massive drone and missile attacks on Kiev and Kharkiv. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiha said such attacks were a mockery of peace efforts. He says that Russia talks on one side and bombs on the other.

What is the US suggesting?

Ukrainian officials say the US has laid out a framework to end the war, which includes strict measures related to Ukraine's security. According to the American official, the advisors of NATO and many European countries also consider these security proposals as strong.

What does Russia want?

Russia still demands that Ukraine hand over full control of the eastern Donbass region, which includes Donetsk and Luhansk. Russia wants Ukraine to leave the part of Donetsk which is currently under its control. This demand remains the biggest hurdle till now.

What is Ukraine saying?

Ukraine has made it clear that it will not give up its land. President Zelensky has said that there is no question of handing over those areas that Russia could not capture in four years. Surveys conducted within the country also show that common people are not in favor of giving any kind of land.

How bad were the latest attacks?

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles were fired in a single night. Their target was electricity and energy-related infrastructure. Nearly 800,000 people were left without electricity and heating, according to government figures, while temperatures dropped below zero. One person died and more than 30 were injured in the attacks.

What did Zelensky say later?

Zelensky said these attacks show that Ukraine urgently needs a stronger air defense system. He also reiterated the demand for early implementation of the promises made to America.