US-Mediated Peace Talks Resume in UAE Amid Escalating Russia-Ukraine Conflict

• US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are set to resume today in Abu Dhabi, UAE, marking the second round of trilateral discussions.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that his negotiating position has been 'adjusted' following intensified Russian aerial attacks, including 71 missiles and 450 drones overnight.
• Russia has been targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure and civilian settlements, weaponizing winter by depriving thousands of heating and electricity.
• Despite talks, a breakthrough seems distant as Vladimir Putin maintains maximalist demands, including Ukraine ceding the Donbas region and surrendering sovereignty.
• Ukrainian delegation will be led by Rustem Umerov, and the Russian delegation by Igor Kostyukov; Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the talks as 'very complex'.