Negotiations to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine are showing signs of progress, but major challenges remain, according to a senior Kremlin official. Talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States in Abu Dhabi were described as constructive, with another round planned for next week. However, no major breakthroughs have been reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also called the talks constructive and mentioned that a document for U.S. security guarantees is ready but needs formal signing. Meanwhile, the war continues, with both sides engaging in drone attacks over the weekend. Negotiators will meet again in early February.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made his first visit to the border area where his forces launched their surprise offensive into Russia two weeks ago. During the visit on Thursday, he said Kyiv's military had taken control of another Russian village and captured more prisoners of war. While in the northern Sumy region, Zelenskyy said the new POWs from the Russian region of Kursk would help build an "exchange fund" to swap for captured Ukrainians. Zelenskyy did not name the newly captured village and did not cross over into Russia, which would been regarded by Moscow as a provocation.
The United States has lifted a ban on providing American weapons and training to a controversial Ukrainian military unit that was key to the defense of the major port city of Mariupol. The Azov Brigade is among Ukraine's most effective and popular fighting units. But it has been dogged by its origins as a volunteer battalion that drew fighters from far-right circles and criticism for some of its tactics. The U.S. had banned the regiment from using American weapons, citing the neo-Nazi ideology of some of its founders. The unit has been absorbed into Ukraine's National Guard as the 12th Special Forces Brigade. Its current members reject accusations of extremism and any ties with far-right movements.
