Talks in Abu Dhabi Start Again with US Help
For the 2nd day, US-led talks were back on in Abu Dhabi. The main negotiator from Kyiv said that the 1st meeting was important and useful. People talked about specific steps to take to lower tensions and help people in need.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed how important it is to make real progress. He warned that negotiations could lead to more Russian attacks. Officials in Ukraine asked for continued international pressure on Moscow.
Source: Anadolu/Website
Zelenskyy Talks About the Possibility of a Prisoner Exchange
Zelenskyy was hopeful about a possible new exchange of prisoners. He said that talks could soon lead to good things for people. Previous exchanges have offered rare moments of cooperation during conflict.
During interviews, the president also gave updated estimates of the number of deaths. He thought that about 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers had died. Earlier reports said that more than 46,000 soldiers had died.
Kremlin Signals Talks While Fighting Continues
Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, said that doors are still open for a deal. But Russian troops will keep fighting in the meantime. Moscow says that Kyiv must make choices to stop the fighting.
Russia said again that it does not want European troops on Ukrainian soil. Ukraine sees these kinds of deployments as important for its security. The disagreement shows that there are still big strategic gaps.
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Russia and China Get Closer Together
Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin talked on the phone. Both leaders praised how strong the relationship between the 2 countries is. The talk strengthened coordination between diplomats during wartime.
The call showed how much Moscow depends on strategic partnerships. China keeps talking about dialogue while keeping its economic ties. People who watch say that alignment is a way to counter Western pressure.
Macron Outreach And Diplomatic Contacts Continue
French President Emmanuel Macron said he was ready to work with Moscow again. The Kremlin said that technical talks with French officials are still going on. But there was no announcement of a direct conversation between Putin and Macron.
According to reports, Emmanuel Bonne, a senior French diplomat, met with Russian officials. Even though there are still hostilities, diplomatic channels are still open. European governments keep talking to each other while also keeping up the sanctions.
Russian Strikes Make Ceasefire Less Likely
Russia fired cluster bombs at a market in Druzhkivka. 7 civilians died and 15 others were hurt in the attack. Officials in the region said that talk of a ceasefire was pointless.
Ukraine said that 105 drones were launched overnight in many areas. Officials said that air defenses shot down 88 drones. At many places, debris and strikes hurt infrastructure.
EU Gives €90bn Financial Help
A group of high-ranking EU diplomats agreed to a loan package worth €90 billion. The help is very important during winter energy outages. Ukraine is still being attacked on its heating infrastructure.
The money makes Kyiv’s economy more resilient during a long war. European leaders stress their long-term support for Ukraine. Financial help goes along with military and diplomatic help.
The realities of war are still harsh and unpredictable, even as talks continue. Humanitarian exchanges may provide some relief, but violence is still going on. Lasting peace still depends on closing big gaps in strategy.
