US, Russia and Ukraine to start second day of Abu Dhabi talks
US, Ukrainian and Russian negotiators are meeting for a second day in Abu Dhabi, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighting discussions on prisoner exchanges and security guarantees.
The second day of talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine began at noon on November 11 in Abu Dhabi, Russian sources told AFP. The discussions follow a first day that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described as "constructive and quite substantive," with delegations discussing humanitarian steps including prisoner exchanges.
Zelensky outlined some critical points in the talks, particularly working on a "large-scale exchange of prisoners." He mentioned that US officials would travel to Russia to discuss this matter further. The Ukrainian president emphasized that security guarantees for Ukraine and ensuring these function over the long term were also discussed in detail.
Russian Security Focus
Russia appears to be approaching the talks with a broader security framework in mind. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov underlined Moscow's goal of negotiating a comprehensive European security architecture before addressing specific issues related to the war.
The idea of defining clear parameters for a future security architecture, and only then moving on to resolving the actual Russia-Ukraine conflict, is absolutely reasonable.
Mixed Assessments of Progress
While Zelensky characterized the initial discussions positively, top Russian delegate Sergei Ryabkov declined to give any assessment of progress, stating "it's too early to talk about that." Meanwhile, US envoy Jared Kushner claimed his team had "narrowed the gaps" between the warring sides and expressed hope for moving toward a "solution" to the conflict.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at a G7 meeting in Paris, praised the Abu Dhabi talks as "very productive" but suggested that including European partners would be beneficial for long-term problem-solving.
Continued Attacks and Energy Concerns
The peace talks come amid continued military actions, with Russia attacking energy facilities in Ukrainian regions overnight, causing power outages in six areas. The strikes killed two people in Ladyzhyn, according to Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergiy Koretsky.
Zelensky has previously accused Moscow of increasing attacks on energy infrastructure to pressure Ukraine ahead of negotiations. Meanwhile, Ukraine has reportedly cut power to Luhansk and surrounding areas under Russian control following a drone attack.
European Security Architecture Concerns
Ahead of the talks, US, European and Ukrainian negotiators issued a statement supporting "a strong post-war European security architecture" while affirming that "a strong NATO will remain central to Euro-Atlantic collective defense." However, European leaders have expressed concerns that Washington and Moscow may be pursuing security arrangements that benefit their own interests.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul have opposed discussions about Europe's security architecture during the current talks, emphasizing that such deliberations should only occur after a ceasefire and in appropriate forums with NATO allies and EU members.
Zelensky's Nordic Diplomacy
As the Abu Dhabi talks proceed, Zelensky is in Denmark meeting with Nordic leaders to discuss military support, air defense, and energy infrastructure security. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen welcomed Zelensky, stating "the Ukrainians' fight for a free Ukraine and a free Europe continues" and emphasizing the need for Western solidarity.
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