The talks in Abu Dhabi revealed a deepening rift between the US and Europe regarding the manner of engagement with Russia. The Washington Post. Despite the announcement of a prisoner exchange, the mood after the meeting was subdued. The representatives of the United States and Ukraine focused on the complexity of the negotiations. Kushner characterized the talks as "an attempt to push a rock up a hill" and said the meeting was "difficult but productive". The negotiator in Ukraine, David Arhamia, said that this negotiation is "one of the most difficult" since he started his job. However, he also noted that some progress had been made, including in the exchange of prisoners and building a dialogue around the post-war future and the extent of European participation. In statements after the talks, the head of the Russian delegation, Medinsky, once again visited Europe, while taking a bellicose stance. "We don't quite understand what we can talk about with them - we haven't received a single peace initiative, not a single peace proposal from European countries," he said. "But if they come here as tourists, they can discuss their business in the hotel bar. "When they have specific proposals, we will consider them, but for now they would do well to learn common sense and realism from the American envoys." At one point, Kushner also made fun of Europeans. When asked if Europe should appoint one central representative, he replied with a smile: "If Europe could appoint one person to speak on its behalf, that would be a greater achievement than getting the Russians to include him in the negotiations." He added that Europe is "a very diverse mixture of many personalities, opinions and interests". Russia has long sought influence in shaping European security.