Ukraine’s Zelenskyy is happy with US envoys’ approach as Russia talks enter second day in Europe
Talks resume in Abu Dhabi
Representatives from Russia and Ukraine said the second day of trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi had begun. The talks focus on ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Zelenskyy said he welcomed changes in the US mediators’ approach during the opening day. Speaking in Copenhagen, he called the discussions constructive and substantive and said he hoped for further progress.
Dispute over battlefield claims
Zelenskyy challenged Russia’s account of its battlefield position, including its claim during the talks that it controlled half of the Donbas in eastern Ukraine. He said Vladimir Putin was living in a different reality.
Zelenskyy also said the US side had confirmed Ukraine’s assessment of events on the battlefield. He was expected to address Denmark’s parliament later in the morning.
US mediators seek progress
US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are mediating the negotiations. Kushner told delegates that the US had narrowed differences between the warring sides, without explaining how. Kushner said he hoped the discussions could lead to a solution to the conflict. The article described it as Europe’s worst conflict since the second world war.
Key points
- The second day of trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the US began in Abu Dhabi.
- Zelenskyy welcomed changes in the US mediators’ approach after the first day.
- Zelenskyy disputed Russia’s claim that it controlled half of the Donbas.
- Kushner said the US had narrowed differences between the sides but offered no details.