In brief
Recent peace talks in Abu Dhabi among the US, Ukraine, and Russia ended without significant progress, as ongoing violence raises doubts about future agreements. Ukrainian leaders expressed the potential for renewed discussions while Russian strikes continue to impact civilian areas. Both sides have accused one another of violating ceasefire protocols amidst rising tensions in the region.
The first three-way peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US have ended in Abu Dhabi with no apparent breakthrough, as fighting rages.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky raised the possibility of a second meeting as early as next week, while an American official said a new round would begin on 1 February.
The two-day talks ended after waves of Russian air strikes targeted Ukraine's badly damaged energy infrastructure, killing one person and injuring 35 others, Ukrainian officials said.
Russia accused Ukraine of attacking an ambulance in Ukrainian territory under its control, killing three medics. Later, it reported a Ukrainian missile attack on energy infrastructure in Belgorod.
The BBC could not independently verify the reports.
The talks in Abu Dhabi were the first trilateral meeting since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of its neighbour in 2022.
The central focus of the discussions was the possible parameters for ending the war, Zelensky posted on X.
All sides had agreed to report back to their capitals and co-ordinate further steps with their leaders, he added.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the Russian attacks, emphasizing that they signify a disregard for peace negotiations.
Despite the lack of agreement, the continuation of dialogue is viewed as a positive sign for potential resolutions.
As the war continues, the humanitarian effects of the conflict deepen with every passing day, amplifying the urgency for a diplomatic solution.
