Ukraine-Russia Talks: US Plan Fuels 2nd Day of Negotiations

Thousands in Kyiv are without heating amid sub-zero temperatures as Russian strikes continue, coinciding with diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Europe. The European Union has accused Moscow of deliberately depriving civilians of essential resources.

Donbas Dispute Remains Central to Ukraine War

Russian strikes killed one person and injured 22 others in Ukraine’s capital and the northeastern city of Kharkiv overnight, authorities said Saturday. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko posted on Telegram that the city was under “massive enemy attack,” with several non-residential buildings hit, urging residents to remain in shelters.

While diplomatic efforts to end Europe’s worst conflict since World War II have gained pace, Moscow and Kyiv appear deadlocked over the issue of territory. Russia maintains its demand that Kyiv withdraw from the eastern Donbas region.

“Russia’s position is well known on the fact that Ukraine, Ukrainian armed forces, have to leave the territory of the Donbas,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. “This is a very important condition.” Kyiv currently controls around 20 percent of the eastern region and has rejected these terms.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that territory remains a “key issue” in negotiations, adding that a desire to end the war must also emerge in Russia. “It is necessary that not only Ukraine has the desire to end the war and achieve full security, but that a similar desire somehow emerges in Russia as well,” he said.

The Abu Dhabi meeting between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators marks the first time they have faced each other to discuss a plan proposed by the Trump administration. Previous face-to-face talks were held in Istanbul last summer, resulting only in agreements to exchange captured soldiers.

Russian President Putin has repeatedly stated his intention to gain full control of eastern Ukraine by force if talks fail. Following talks with the US in the Kremlin, Putin aide Yuri Ushakov insisted Moscow is “genuinely interested in resolving” the war diplomatically, but added that Russia will continue to pursue its objectives “on the battlefield” until a resolution is reached.

Former President Trump has previously pressured Ukraine to agree to terms considered by Kyiv as capitulation. He reiterated Wednesday his belief that Putin and Zelenskyy were close to a deal, stating, “I believe they’re at a point now where they can come together and get a deal done. And if they don’t, they’re stupid – that goes for both of them.”