"Abu Dhabi 2": Moscow and Kyiv Launch Second Round of U.S.-Led Talks as the Kremlin Maintains Strategic Silence

Ukrainian and Russian negotiators convened in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday for a critical second round of trilateral security talks mediated by the United States. Ukrainian Chief Negotiator Rustem Umerov confirmed the start of the meetings, which involve separate and joint sessions to bridge the vast divide over territorial control and the fate of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

The Kremlin, however, has imposed a total media blackout, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that "no updates are planned" for now. The talks face extreme headwinds, occurring just 24 hours after Russia launched a record barrage of ballistic missiles at Ukraine. While the Trump administration pushes for a rapid settlement, the core disputes remain: Moscow demands a full Ukrainian withdrawal from Donetsk, while Kyiv refuses any unilateral retreat, insisting on freezing the conflict at current frontlines.