Peace signals emerge despite Kremlin strikes, exposing Moscow’s double game of talks abroad, terror at home.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described recent discussions held in Abu Dhabi as “constructive,” signaling renewed diplomatic momentum in efforts to end the war with Russia.
Speaking after the meetings, Zelenskyy indicated that talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States could resume as early as next week, marking one of the clearest indications yet that backchannel diplomacy is accelerating. The Abu Dhabi engagement is being viewed as a neutral-ground effort to test whether Moscow is prepared for meaningful negotiations rather than tactical stalling.
However, even as diplomatic language softened, Russia continued its military assault. Missile strikes hit Kyiv and Kharkiv, killing at least one civilian and damaging residential infrastructure. The attacks underscored the contradiction between Russia’s public willingness to talk and its continued use of force on the ground.
Ukrainian officials emphasized that genuine negotiations cannot occur under missile fire, warning that Moscow’s actions risk undermining trust before talks even begin. Security sources described the strikes as a pressure tactic aimed at extracting concessions before any formal diplomatic resumption.
Western observers note that Abu Dhabi’s role reflects a broader shift toward pragmatic mediation, bypassing stalled European formats. Yet analysts caution that without a verifiable ceasefire framework, any renewed dialogue may remain fragile.
For Kyiv, the message remains consistent: diplomacy is welcome, but Ukraine will not negotiate from a position of intimidation. The coming week may reveal whether Moscow is prepared to choose dialogue over destruction.
