Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin must be ready to end war he started, says Zelensky after first day of peace talks - Zelensky says negotiations will focus on status of eastern Donbas region as search

[Editor's note: Follow the Khaleej Times' live blog for real-time updates on the trilateral talks taking place in Abu Dhabi] Ukrainian, Russian and US officials meet in Abu Dhabi on Friday for talks on a US-drafted plan to end the Ukraine war.

The U.S.-led push to end Russia’s nearly 4-year-old war in Ukraine gained momentum late last year and is moving ahead in 2026, with leaders, diplomats and envoys traveling to a flurry of meetings to discuss a potential deal.

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump says ‘it will be a disgrace if we don’t get a deal done’ ahead of Zelensky meeting - US president was speaking after official launch of Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ in Davos,

The talks will take place in Abu Dhabi and won't include heads of state.