US mediators advance peace framework following Abu Dhabi talks

United States envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have concluded two days of trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi alongside Ukrainian and Russian officials. The talks aimed to establish a "new framework" for diplomatic progress, even as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rejected European demands for an immediate ceasefire. Following the sessions, the American mediators scheduled briefings with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Dublin, where Zelensky noted a potential window of opportunity for progress by year-end.

European delegates, representing NATO, the European Commission, and the E4 group—comprising France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom—conducted side talks with Ukrainian negotiators. Italian diplomatic sources urged quick agreement on negotiation formats, warning that fragmented efforts play into Moscow's hands.

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