Russia and the United States have agreed to resume high-level military contacts after two days of talks in Abu Dhabi that also saw a prisoner swap of more than 300 people. The move comes as the New START nuclear treaty expired, raising concerns about a renewed arms race. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the discussions as complicated and pushed for faster progress, while mediators warned significant work remains, with the status of eastern Ukrainian territory the main sticking point.
US and Russia Reopen High-Level Military Channels After Abu Dhabi Talks — Prisoner Swap, Territorial Deadlock Remain
"We want faster results," the president tells a press conference in Kyiv, speaking alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. (Sergei SUPINSKY)(Sergei SUPINSKY/AFP/AFP)
Russia and the United States have agreed to resume high-level military-to-military contacts following two days of Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi, a move that signals a cautious thaw between the two nuclear powers even as major disagreements persist.
What Happened
Delegations from the US, Russia and Ukraine met in Abu Dhabi for two days of talks aimed at exploring a framework to end the war. The meetings produced a prisoner exchange of more than 300 people and culminated in an agreement to reestablish senior military dialogue between Washington and Moscow.
"The U.S. and Russian Federation agreed today in Abu Dhabi to reestablish high level military-to-military dialogue," the US European Command said, adding that "the parties continue to work towards a lasting peace." It also noted that military dialogue can increase transparency and help de-escalate tensions.
Context And Reactions
Moscow had suspended senior-level military contacts shortly before its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. After nearly two years of reduced ties, US President Donald Trump has moved to restore communications with Russia since returning to the White House, holding several talks and a summit with President Vladimir Putin. Moscow had not immediately commented on the Abu Dhabi announcement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the negotiations as "complicated" and urged faster progress. US mediator Steve Witkoff warned that "significant" work remained before any broader settlement could be reached.
Nuclear Treaty And Arms Concerns
The announcement came just hours after the New START treaty — the last remaining nuclear arms agreement between Moscow and Washington — expired, renewing international concerns about a potential arms race and reducing formal channels for strategic arms oversight.
Territorial Impasse
The central sticking point is the long-term status of territory in eastern Ukraine. Moscow has demanded Kyiv pull forces back from broad areas of the Donbas and seeks international recognition for territories seized during the invasion. Kyiv insists the conflict be frozen along the existing front line and rejects forced withdrawals, saying ceding ground would encourage further aggression.
Human Cost And Infrastructure Impact
Zelensky said in a rare official acknowledgment that at least 55,000 Ukrainian troops have been killed since February 2022, a figure lower than many independent estimates. Independent trackers, including the BBC and Mediazona, have documented more than 160,000 Russian military fatalities based on obituaries and family notices; Russia has not published an official toll.
Meanwhile, heavy strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have left large parts of Kyiv without heating amid sub-zero temperatures. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned more than 1,000 apartment blocks could remain without heating for up to two months after a strike destroyed a key power station.
What Comes Next
While reopening military lines of communication may reduce the immediate risk of dangerous miscalculations, negotiators and mediators say achieving a lasting settlement will require resolving the deeply contentious question of territory — a hurdle that could stall progress for the foreseeable future.
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