U.S.-Brokered Russia-Ukraine Talks Open in Abu Dhabi, the First in Nine Months

Three-way talks between the United States, Russia and Ukraine opened Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, the first direct negotiations in nine months, as Washington makes another push to end the war.

France 24 reported the two-day session will focus on security guarantees for both sides. After the first day, the Kyiv Independent reported the delegations discussed humanitarian and de-escalation steps, with talks expected to resume Wednesday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the talks "very productive," according to The Guardian's live coverage.

Expectations are measured. Semafor reported that experts cautioned the meetings were unlikely to produce a major breakthrough. Rubio has also said that any security guarantees for Ukraine must be acceptable to Russia, a point that has drawn concern from Kyiv's European backers.

For Americans who have funded much of Ukraine's defense, an end to the bloodshed on terms that do not reward aggression would be welcome news. The coming days in Abu Dhabi will show whether this round is a real opening or another pause in a long war.