The US-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine to end their four-year war began in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, with Washington signalling progress towards a settlement. (AFP pic)ABU DHABI: Washington called for a "new" security framework on the first day of US-led talks between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was "happy" with the changes in approach by US mediators.

US leader Donald Trump's envoys -- his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff -- brought together the warring sides for several hours of negotiations that are set to continue Wednesday.

Kushner told delegates the US had "narrowed the gaps" between the sides -- without providing details -- and hoped to move towards a "solution" to Europe's worst conflict since World War II.