https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/white-house-cautiously-upbeat-about-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-this-weekContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/white-house-cautiously-upbeat-about-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-this-weekhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/white-house-cautiously-upbeat-about-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-this-week#u197969Fri, 13 Nov 2026 01:28:05 +0000U.S. officials say the White House is "cautiously optimistic" as Russia and Ukraine prepare for their first direct talks with American mediators since February. The sessions are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Abu Dhabi. Negotiators report both sides are showing flexibility on territorial issues, though significant gaps remain. Russia continues to escalate attacks on Ukrainian cities and has not agreed to a ceasefire, casting doubt on the prospects for substantive progress.Why it mattersThe negotiations mark the first formal engagement in nine months after talks were suspended