"Ukraine and Russia concluded a second round of US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi on Thursday aimed at ending Europe's biggest conflict since the second world war, with the two sides conducting a major prisoner swap and agreeing to resume negotiations soon. But Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump's special envoy involved in the talks, cautioned that significant work remains in the weeks ahead, dampening expectations of any swift move towards peace."
"Bessent said he would consider new sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet a step Trump has not taken since returning to office in January 2025. His comments come after Ukraine and Russia concluded a second day of US-led talks in Abu Dhabi on Thursday without a breakthrough in ending the conflict. I will take it under consideration. We will see where the peace talks go, Bessent said at a Senate Banking Committee hearing."
"Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the trilateral talks with the US and Russia were not easy, but insisted that Ukraine would remainconstructive and seek a fair deal to end to the Russian aggression. Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's presidential office, said the trilateral negotiations had been genuinely constructive, thanking the US and the United Arab Emirates for their role in mediating the talks. Russia's representative, Kirill Dmitriev, similarly struck a positive note, saying there had been progress and forward movement in discussions on ending the war."
Ukraine and Russia concluded a second round of US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi, conducted a major prisoner swap, and agreed to resume negotiations soon. Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump's special envoy, cautioned that significant work remains in the weeks ahead, tempering expectations of a swift peace. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said further US sanctions against Russia depend on the talks and that he would consider sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet, noting earlier penalties on Rosneft and Lukoil helped bring Russia to the negotiating table. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the trilateral talks were not easy but pledged constructive engagement; Kyrylo Budanov thanked the US and UAE for mediating and Kirill Dmitriev said there had been progress.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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