U.S. Official Hails Abu Dhabi Peace Talks as a "Major Step"

​A senior U.S. official described the direct peace talks held between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Abu Dhabi on Saturday as a "major step," confirming that both sides have agreed to hold a new round of negotiations next week.

The European website Euractiv quoted the unnamed U.S. official as saying: "I think bringing the parties together was a major step, and it is a confirmation that a great deal of progress has been made so far."

​For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that "a great deal" of issues were discussed during the "constructive" talks with Russia, which were mediated by the United States.

​"A lot was discussed, and it is important that the dialogues were constructive," Zelensky said in a social media post following the conclusion of the meetings. He added, "If there is readiness to move forward—and Ukraine is ready—additional meetings will be held, possibly as early as next week."

​The U.S. official further revealed that American envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff held four-hour talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow just prior to the commencement of the trilateral discussions with Ukraine.