Peace Talks Falter as New Strikes Shake Ukraine

President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receives the heads of delegations participating in the UAE hosted trilateral talks between the United States, Russia and Ukraine, Director of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kirill Budanov, United States Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Igor Kostyukov, and Jared Kushner at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi.

US‑mediated negotiations aimed at easing the war in Ukraine ended abruptly without an agreement after Russia launched a series of overnight airstrikes that hit multiple Ukrainian cities and energy facilities. The renewed bombardment intensified pressure on the talks, which had been viewed as a tentative step toward de‑escalation.

Diplomats from both sides described the discussions as “constructive but inconclusive,” noting that major sticking points — including territorial control, security guarantees, and conditions for a ceasefire — remain unresolved. Ukrainian officials argued that the latest attacks underscored the difficulty of negotiating while under fire, while Russian representatives insisted that military operations would continue until their strategic objectives are met.

The breakdown leaves millions of Ukrainians facing another period of uncertainty, with damaged infrastructure, winter temperatures, and ongoing strikes compounding the humanitarian strain. Despite the setback, mediators signaled that further talks could still be scheduled if both parties show renewed willingness to compromise.