Russia and Ukraine held the US-led second day of talks in Abu Dhabi after
President Zelensky described the first round as constructive. Zelensky said
Wednesday’s negotiations will focus on de-escalation measures, including a
possible ceasefire in the Black Sea and protections for energy infrastructure.
Delegations discussed humanitarian measures, territorial issues, Ukrainian
security guarantees and a potential prisoner swap of up to 1,500 each. Ukraine’s
delegation head Rustem Umerov said Kyiv will meet European partners separately
after a trilateral session with the US and Russia. There are few signs of
de‑escalation: Moscow has stepped up missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian
energy, logistics and corporate targets, while Kyiv has carried out strikes deep
into Russia targeting refineries and other sites to reduce Kremlin revenue;
frontline fighting continues with no major territorial gains.
