Russia, Ukraine Envoys Meet in Abu Dhabi for US-Brokered Peace Talks Amid Escalating Attacks

• Envoys from Russia and Ukraine met in Abu Dhabi for US-brokered talks aimed at ending the nearly four-year war, with US officials also present.
• The negotiations, attended by Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council chief Rustem Umerov, were structured to include group discussions on specific topics.
• The talks coincide with the expiry of the last remaining nuclear arms pact between Russia and the US, raising concerns about a new arms race.
• Discussions occurred amid Ukrainian outrage over major Russian attacks on its energy system, including a recent bombardment with drones and ballistic missiles.
• Despite claims of a temporary halt in strikes on Ukraine's power grid, new attacks occurred, leading Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to accuse Putin of duplicity.