Abu Dhabi talks end first day as cyber breach reveals Russian troop casualties

Trilateral negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States concluded their opening session in Abu Dhabi, with mediators advocating for a new diplomatic framework to resolve the conflict. U.S. representatives reported initial progress concerning post-war security arrangements for Ukraine and Europe. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov publicly rejected European calls for an immediate ceasefire.

Alongside the main talks, Ukrainian envoys met separately with NATO, European Union, and E4 officials, while initial exercises commenced for the proposed Multinational Force for Ukraine. In Italy, reporting indicates Rome's aid remains restricted to defensive equipment and power generators, withholding Samp/T air defence missiles while expanding its F-35 fighter jet procurement budget. Concurrently, Ukrainian and Belarusian cyber groups claimed responsibility for breaching Russia's state statistics database, alleging records reveal more than 412,000 Russian military casualties.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica.