Ukraine Hails 'Productive' First Day of Russia Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi

Kyiv. Ukraine described the first day of Russia-Ukraine peace talks held in Abu Dhabi, mediated by the United States, as positive. The talks were reported to be concrete and productive. However, no decisive progress toward ending the four-year-long war has been announced yet. 

Rustem Umerov, the chief negotiator for Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, stated on Wednesday that the discussions focused on practical solutions and concrete steps. It was reported that the talks would continue on Thursday. 

Despite the positive nature of the talks, Russia's attacks within Ukraine have not ceased. According to Ukrainian officials, seven people were killed in a crowded market recently due to Russian missile and drone strikes. Amidst the unbearable cold weather, the attacks caused further damage to the power infrastructure in the capital, Kyiv. 

In his evening address, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the talks must yield real results and expressed hope for a prisoner-of-war exchange in the near future. He stated that the people must feel real progress toward ending the war. 

Russia has stated that the door for peace remains open. However, it also warned that military action would continue until Kyiv accepts its demands. Analysts suggest that although the talks show signs of hope, the situation on the ground and Russia's stance make reaching an agreement difficult.