The first three-way peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US have ended in Abu Dhabi with no apparent breakthrough, as fighting rages.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky raised the possibility of a second meeting as early as next week, while an American official said a new round would begin on 1 February.
The two-day talks ended after waves of Russian air strikes targeted Ukraine's badly damaged energy infrastructure, killing one person and injuring 35 others, according to Ukrainian officials.
Russia accused Ukraine of attacking an ambulance in Ukrainian territory under its control, killing three medics. Later, it reported a Ukrainian missile attack on energy infrastructure in Belgorod.
The BBC could not independently verify these reports. The talks in Abu Dhabi were the first trilateral meeting since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of its neighbour in 2022.
The central focus of the discussions was the possible parameters for ending the war, with Zelensky emphasizing the need for American monitoring of the cessation of hostilities.
Despite the lack of immediate progress, an unnamed US official labeled the decision to pursue further talks a good sign, indicating that substantial work had been done over the negotiation period.
Throughout the discussions, Ukraine's critical infrastructure has been heavily impacted, with Mayor Vitali Klitschko reporting casualties and extensive damage to heating facilities in Kyiv amidst freezing temperatures.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the Russian attacks as a direct assault on the negotiation process, asserting that such brutality was unacceptable.
Conversely, Russia criticized Ukraine for its actions in the Kherson region, fueling a narrative of mutual blame as both sides seek to gain the upper hand in the ongoing conflict.
As the situation remains dire, the prospect of meaningful reconciliation still seems far off, with diplomatic efforts continuing in the face of persistent violence.
