Ukraine, Russia and US Meet for Peace Talks

Why are the talks happening at this time?

They come as the fifth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches. The last three-way talks were in Geneva in February, and they ended without a breakthrough.

What will the officials discuss in Abu Dhabi?

They will discuss the future after the war, including security concerns for Ukraine and Russia. Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, is part of the US delegation with peace envoy Steve Witkoff.

What is the biggest disagreement between Russia and Ukraine?

A key disagreement is over Donetsk, an eastern region of Ukraine. Russia occupies most of Donetsk. Moscow wants Ukraine to give up the parts it still controls.

And what does Ukraine want?

Ukraine wants to freeze the current contact line. This would let Ukraine keep the parts of Donetsk that it still holds. Kyiv says these areas are important for its future security.

Have the two sides moved closer together?

Their public positions are still far apart. However, US officials said Moscow and Kyiv had shown a little flexibility in private discussions.

Why is security so important in this question?

US officials say the question of Donetsk cannot be settled without a new security system after the war. They call this a security architecture. They say the territory question and the security question must be decided together.

What could this security system mean for Ukraine?

For Ukraine, it may include reassurance that its allies will help if it is attacked again. For Russia, it could include its long-standing aim for Nato to reduce its presence in eastern Europe. This would worry many Europeans.

Are there practical proposals as well?

The proposed framework includes security consultations, crisis communication hotlines, and steps by both sides to reduce tensions. Officials also mentioned restarting the Nato-Russia Council, which has mostly been paused since 2022.

So the talks are unlikely to settle every issue quickly.

That is right, Daniel. The officials are trying to connect decisions on territory with plans for security after the war. Their first task is to make progress on both difficult questions.

Thank you, Ethan.

Our second story is about UN climate talks that have opened in Turkey.

Chloe is LinguaWire's correspondent for environment, and she has been covering the summit.

Hello, Daniel. Delegates from almost 200 countries are taking part in Cop31, the UN climate talks. Turkey is hosting the two-week meeting, and Australia is leading the negotiations.

What message did the UN climate chief give at the opening?

Simon Stiell, the UN climate chief, said high prices for oil, coal and gas are spreading inflation around the world. Inflation means that prices for goods and services rise.

What solution did he support?

Stiell supported more renewable energy and a new goal for electrification. He presented these ideas as an alternative to continued dependence on oil, coal and gas.

Why are these talks under pressure?

Many people are unhappy with the slow results from earlier climate talks. The meeting is also opening during a historic El Niño in the tropical Pacific.

What recent events have added to those concerns?

Months ago, a glacier collapse caused catastrophic flooding in Nepal and Tibet. Villages were washed away. At least 1,459 people died, and thousands more are still missing.

What do scientists say about global heating?

Climate scientists confirmed this year that global heating will reach at least 1.8 degrees Celsius. That is above the 1.5-degree goal which countries agreed to aim for in Paris in 2015.

What are leaders being asked to do?

UN Secretary-General António Guterres asked leaders to cut emissions faster. He also called for a fair move away from fossil fuels, and for finance and protection for vulnerable countries.

Who is already paying the highest price?

Stiell said vulnerable communities are already paying the price. He also said people can clearly feel frustration about a lack of fairness.

What happens next at the summit?

Turkey expects 100,000 visitors, including national delegations and at least 95 heads of state. A leaders' summit is planned for Wednesday and Thursday. The talks now face pressure to agree on faster action.

Thank you, Chloe.

Part one: vocabulary.

occupy.

To occupy means to control a place, often with an army; in the story, “Russia occupies most of Donetsk.”

Soldiers occupy the city.

freeze.

To freeze means to stop something from changing for a time; in the story, “Ukraine wants to freeze the current contact line.”

We want to freeze the plan for a week.

hold.

To hold means to control an area or place; in the story, “This would let Ukraine keep the parts of Donetsk that it still holds.”

They hold an important area near the border.

Part two: the grammar.

Near future with will: “Senior officials from Ukraine, Russia and the United States will meet in Abu Dhabi.”

Use will plus a base verb to talk about a future plan or event.

In the story, “Senior officials from Ukraine, Russia and the United States will meet in Abu Dhabi.”

The leaders will meet on Wednesday.

Repeat after me: Senior officials from Ukraine, Russia and the United States will meet in Abu Dhabi.