Ukraine and Russia concluded two days of direct, U.S.-brokered negotiations on Saturday, agreeing to resume talks next week in Abu Dhabi. However, the diplomatic progress unfolded alongside renewed Russian strikes that Kyiv said undermined efforts to move toward ending the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the discussions as meaningful, noting that “a lot was discussed” and stressing that the exchanges remained constructive. Moreover, he said the next round of talks could take place as early as next week, signaling cautious optimism despite the deteriorating security situation.
Yet, on the eve of the second day of negotiations, Russia launched a fresh wave of drone and missile attacks across Ukraine. Consequently, the strikes cut electricity to millions of residents as temperatures plunged below freezing. Ukrainian officials accused Moscow of deliberately sabotaging the talks, calling the assault another “night of Russian terror.”
Public skepticism and diplomatic framing
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the United Arab Emirates said the talks, which brought together senior military officials from both countries, took place in a constructive and positive atmosphere. According to the spokesperson, the discussions focused on unresolved elements of the U.S.-proposed peace framework, as well as potential confidence-building measures.
However, on the streets of Kyiv, fatigue and skepticism dominated public sentiment. Residents endured another sleepless night as explosions echoed across the capital. Anastasia Tolkachov, who sheltered in a parking lot overnight, said she expected no breakthrough and feared further attacks would follow. Similarly, another resident, Valentina, expressed little hope, saying people would simply “keep freezing a little longer.”
At the same time, AFP journalists reported scenes of panic as residents ran for cover while explosions illuminated the night sky. Thus, despite diplomatic engagement, the contrast between negotiation tables and battlefield realities remained stark.
