US-brokered peace talks between Ukraine and Russia ended in Abu Dhabi without any agreement after two days of discussions, despite both sides signaling willingness to continue dialogue.
The talks concluded amid renewed Russian missile and drone attacks that intensified pressure on negotiations and sharply worsened conditions for Ukrainian civilians overnight.
Officials involved said discussions focused on possible frameworks to end the war but failed to bridge major differences between the two sides.
Another round of talks is expected next weekend, keeping diplomatic channels open despite rising violence on the ground.
Read more : Putin to discuss Ukraine, Middle East with US envoys
Overnight Russian bombardment struck Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other regions, damaging critical energy infrastructure and cutting electricity and heating to more than one million people.
Ukrainian authorities reported that hundreds of drones and missiles targeted power facilities during freezing temperatures, leaving families without heat in subzero conditions.
At least one civilian was killed and dozens were injured, adding urgency and anger to Kyiv’s diplomatic stance.
Ukrainian leaders said the attacks directly undermined trust in the negotiation process.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said talks explored parameters for ending the war and possible security guarantees, but Russia’s actions contradicted claims of seriousness.
Ukraine’s foreign minister accused Moscow of acting cynically, saying missiles struck not only cities but also the credibility of peace efforts.
Ukrainian officials stressed that meaningful talks cannot succeed while large-scale attacks continue.
They reiterated calls for stronger international pressure and air defense support.
Read more : Russia seizes 300 sq km of Ukraine in January
US officials described the atmosphere in the talks as respectful and detailed, with negotiators addressing unresolved elements of a proposed peace framework.
They said security arrangements discussed were considered unusually strong by Ukraine and European partners, including NATO officials.
However, major political and territorial disagreements remain unresolved, limiting immediate progress.
Future meetings may expand to Moscow or Kyiv before any summit involving top leaders.
Russia continues to demand full control of eastern Donbas, including territory Ukraine still holds, while Kyiv firmly rejects surrendering land.
Ukrainian leaders say public opinion strongly opposes territorial concessions after years of war and heavy losses.
Moscow maintains it prefers diplomacy but will pursue military objectives if talks fail.
As winter deepens and attacks persist, the gap between battlefield realities and peace ambitions remains stark.