KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The U.S. And Russia agreed Thursday to reestablish high-level military dialogue for the first time in more than four years, signaling a potential shift in relations since President Donald Trump returned to office and prioritized ending the war in Ukraine.
Military communication had been suspended since late 2021, coinciding with rising tensions before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. President Trump previously campaigned on a promise to swiftly end the conflict, with proposals that reportedly favored the Kremlin, including potential territorial concessions from Ukraine.
The U.S. European Command stated the restored communication channel “will provide a consistent military-to-military contact as the parties continue to work towards a lasting peace.” The agreement followed a meeting between senior U.S. And Russian military officials in Abu Dhabi.
U.S. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander in Europe of both U.S. And NATO forces, participated in the Abu Dhabi talks, which as well included Ukrainian officials and entered a second day.
Escalating Hostilities and Tensions
Whereas dialogue resumes, Moscow has escalated attacks on Ukraine’s power grid, reportedly aiming to weaken civilian morale and resistance. Fighting continues along a roughly 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line in eastern and southern Ukraine.
The resumption of the military hotline is intended to ease tensions and prevent potential confrontations between U.S. And Russian forces. In March 2023, the U.S. Military reported that a Russian fighter jet struck the propeller of an American MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea after dumping fuel on it.
Moscow denied hitting the drone, claiming it crashed after a sharp maneuver and alleging a violation of a no-fly zone near Crimea. Russian officials have also expressed concern over U.S. And NATO intelligence flights over the Black Sea, suggesting they aid Ukraine in targeting Russian forces.
NATO members have noted increasing intrusions into allied airspace, with some European officials interpreting these as tests of NATO’s response. In September, Russian drones entered Polish airspace, prompting an intercept by NATO aircraft and NATO jets later escorted Russian warplanes out of Estonian airspace.
Prisoner Exchange and Ongoing Negotiations
Alongside the military talks, Russia and Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange Thursday. The Russian Defense Ministry reported bringing back 157 Russian servicemen and three nationals captured in the Kursk region. Ukrainian officials stated 150 Ukrainian servicemen and seven civilians were returned.
The released Russian soldiers are receiving medical assistance in Belarus before returning to Russia. Ukrainian officials noted that 18 of the returned service members had been “illegally sentenced” by Russia and were in difficult condition.
Ukrainian Casualties and International Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that 55,000 Ukrainian troops have died since the start of the Russian invasion, adding that a significant number are still missing. This figure is an increase from an earlier estimate of 46,000 deaths in early 2025.
Zelenskyy has consistently emphasized Ukraine’s need for security guarantees from the U.S. And Europe to deter future Russian aggression. He stressed the importance of demonstrating genuine progress toward peace, rather than allowing Russia to exploit the situation.
Ukrainian civilian casualties increased by 31% last year compared to 2024, according to Human Rights Watch. The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reports almost 15,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed and over 40,000 wounded since the war began through last December.
Other Developments
Ukraine has reportedly disrupted Russian access to Starlink satellite internet terminals, impacting Russian command-and-control and drone navigation. Ukraine is now registering Starlink users to control access within its borders.
Poland and Ukraine agreed to jointly produce ammunition, and Poland plans to increase liquefied natural gas supplies to Ukraine, with potential exchanges of weaponry, including MiG fighter jets.
Russia launched 183 drones and two ballistic missiles at Ukraine overnight, injuring three people, while claiming to have downed 95 Ukrainian drones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the U.S. And Russia to reestablish military dialogue?
The agreement to reestablish dialogue came following a meeting between senior U.S. And Russian military officials in Abu Dhabi, as the Trump administration seeks to end the war in Ukraine.
What is the current status of fighting in Ukraine?
Hostilities continue along a roughly 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line in eastern and southern Ukraine, with Moscow escalating attacks on the country’s power grid.
What was the outcome of the recent talks in Abu Dhabi?
Russia and Ukraine carried out a prisoner exchange following the talks, with Russia returning 157 servicemen and three nationals, and Ukraine receiving 150 servicemen and seven civilians.
What impact might the resumption of military dialogue have on the future of the conflict?
