Russia-Ukraine talks turn to post-war security but end without breakthrough

Trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi between Russia, Ukraine and the US aimed at ending the war in Ukraine have concluded after a second day. Although the American side said they saw "some openings", there was no hint of any breakthroughs to end the nearly five year-long war sparked by Russia's invasion.

Davyd Arakhamia from Ukraine's negotiating team said that this round of talks - the first since February - "was one of the hardest." "I believe the Russians came with very strict directives, so it was extremely difficult to soften the discussion," he said. But he added that he felt "good momentum" and urged for a second round of talks to be organised as soon as possible.

Both Moscow and Kyiv confirmed that a large-scale prisoner of war exchange was in the works and could be carried out soon. For Kyiv, this may include reassurances that allies will come to its aid if Ukraine comes under attack again, despite the country not being a Nato member.