Witkoff and Kushner arrived in Moscow on Thursday to meet Putin, then plan to see Zelensky in Dublin. Two days of talks in Abu Dhabi ended with an agreement on a large prisoner exchange. There was no breakthrough on ending the war. Russia reportedly refused to discuss a ceasefire or territory and pushed to discuss Europe's security. A Russian negotiator ruled out a land swap.
Why it matters: The outcome shapes the war in Ukraine and Europe's security arrangements.
Russia and Ukraine agreed a large prisoner exchange as US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi ended. Little else was announced. Reports said Russia refused to discuss ceasefire or territory and spoke of Europe's security order instead. US envoys were to meet Putin and Zelensky on Thursday. Zelensky said a window for progress exists before year end.
Why it matters: A swap brings some prisoners home, but there is no sign of a deal to end the war.
Delegations from Russia, Ukraine and the United States met in Abu Dhabi for about four hours on Tuesday. It was the first three-way round since February. Zelensky called the talks constructive and said a large prisoner exchange of more than a thousand people was discussed. Officials reported no formal result. The US side also met European officials separately, and the talks are expected to resume on Wednesday.
Why it matters: Any progress on prisoner exchanges or security guarantees could affect the war's course and European security.
Delegations from Ukraine, Russia and the United States meet in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. It is the first three-way round since February. Kyiv says it will press for prisoner exchanges and security guarantees. Europeans will attend but are not at the table. Moscow has rejected a freeze in fighting, saying Kyiv would use a pause to rearm. US officials describe some flexibility on both sides, and Trump says both are tired of fighting. Russian strikes cut power to hundreds of thousands in eastern Ukraine ahead of the talks.
Why it matters: The talks could set terms for ending Europe's largest war and decide how Ukraine's energy and security are protected.
Russian attacks hit Ukraine's grid, leaving over 600,000 without power in the southeast. Two died and seven were hurt in Dnipropetrovsk region. A drone hit rescuers at Kamyshevakha, where a strike on a shelter killed over 50. Europe will join US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi.
Why it matters: Power cuts hit civilians as winter nears, while talks involving Europe are planned.
Russia struck Kyiv and the surrounding region overnight, hitting the Northern Bridge and energy facilities. Five people were hurt, including a 14-year-old, and the city had power, heating and water outages. Russia said it targeted military-industrial and energy sites. President Zelenskyy accused Moscow of trying to push Ukraine into a bad deal. Ukrainian, Russian and US delegations are due to meet in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 10 and 11, and the Kremlin has named its delegation.
Why it matters: The attacks hit civilian infrastructure just before the first three-way talks since February.
Russia launched missiles at Kyiv early Saturday, damaging a residential building, the mayor said. The air force counted at least six ballistic missiles. Ukrainian, Russian and US delegations are due to meet in Abu Dhabi on Nov 10-11. Trump said progress is being made. European leaders insist Putin end the war before discussing Russia's concerns.
Why it matters: Talks and attacks continue together, affecting Ukraine's civilians and European security.
Russia fired drones and missiles at Ukrainian energy sites overnight. Kyiv lost water supply and several regions lost power.
Zelensky said Russia launched 289 drones, 17 ballistic missiles and 59 cruise missiles. German Chancellor Merz urged Moscow to engage in talks.
Why it matters: Winter outages threaten heating and water for millions of Ukrainians.
Russian ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv killed one person and injured 15.
President Zelensky said more than 100 ballistic missiles have been fired at Kyiv and its region in two weeks.
Why it matters: Repeated strikes keep Ukraine's capital on near-constant alert and strain air defenses.
Russian aerial attacks killed nine people in Ukraine as Zelensky met US and European officials in Norway. In Kyiv, a drone attack set fire to a residential building and killed two people.
Why it matters: Continued strikes on cities show the war's toll on civilians even as diplomatic contacts intensify.
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