Ukraine and Russia present conflicting positions on Abu Dhabi negotiations

During the 244th week of the full-scale war, Ukraine and Russia have expressed diverging stances regarding potential negotiations in Abu Dhabi. Ukraine remains open to partial or full ceasefires, prioritizing the protection of its energy infrastructure, the cessation of hostilities in the Black Sea to facilitate grain exports, and prisoner exchanges. President Zelenskyy has emphasized the importance of European representation in future discussions.

Russia has rejected temporary ceasefires, except for humanitarian purposes, and does not believe combat should stop during negotiations. Moscow seeks permanent solutions that incorporate its territorial and security demands, including the annexation of Ukrainian territories and a restructuring of European security architecture. Furthermore, Russia has called for the removal of Western sanctions as a prerequisite for normalizing relations.

On the battlefield, the average number of daily combat engagements decreased by approximately 20 percent compared to the previous week, averaging 190 encounters per day. Intense fighting continues in the Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka directions, as well as in the Hulyaipole and South Slobozhanske areas. Meanwhile, drone strikes on merchant vessels have been reported near Bulgaria and Romania.