Russia, Ukraine resume peace talks after nine months

ABU DHABI, Nov 10: Russian and Ukrainian officials met in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday for their first US-brokered negotiations since February, raising hopes of progress towards ending the war after US President Donald Trump suggested a broad peace agreement could be possible.

US envoy Jared Kushner told delegates that recent discussions with both sides had helped narrow differences, adding that Washington had several ideas to bridge the remaining gaps. He said Trump was committed to securing an agreement that would end the conflict while leaving both countries in a stronger position.

However, despite Washington's optimism, Moscow and Kyiv remain deeply divided over the terms of a settlement, more than four and a half years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Russian forces continue to control about a fifth of Ukrainian territory.

US negotiators believe both leaders could potentially compromise on territorial issues, with each side making limited concessions, according to a US official. A proposed framework could offer Ukraine security guarantees, an end to the war and a roadmap towards European Union membership. �"REUTERS