Russia shows no sign of compromise during Abu Dhabi talks

Trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi continued as Russia pressed territorial demands and Kyiv rejected surrendering land; Ukraine and the U.S. have drafted security guarantee documents that remain unsigned.

U.S., Ukrainian and Russian delegations met in Abu Dhabi after a U.S. team visited Moscow, with talks expected to continue into Saturday. The focus has centred on Russia's demand that Ukraine cede about 5,000 square kilometres in Donetsk. Ukrainian leaders have ruled out that outcome while Washington has discussed alternatives such as a demilitarized economic zone. Security guarantee documents between Kyiv and Washington are reported as drafted but have not been signed. Known details: - U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff described the negotiations as narrowing to a single issue, while Russian officials maintained broad territorial demands. - The Kremlin has insisted on control over parts of Donetsk and signalled other unresolved points remain on the agenda. - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Abu Dhabi meeting was a step forward and noted security guarantee documents are ready to be signed by Kyiv and Washington. - The talks continued into Saturday with no public agreement reported. Summary: The meetings mark renewed diplomatic engagement but do not show a settled compromise on territory. Undetermined at this time whether the talks will lead to an agreement; the next procedural step noted by officials is setting a date and place for signing security documents, which has not been scheduled.