[Tense Atmosphere at Tuesday's Russia-Ukraine Talks; US Efforts to Smooth Things Over] According to a report by Jinse Finance on November 12th, citing a source present at the scene, Axios reported that Tuesday's talks between Russia and Ukraine were tense, with both sides expressing their dissatisfaction after nine months without direct dialogue. US Middle East envoys Witkov and Kushner attempted to ease the tension, telling the Russian and Ukrainian negotiators that the goal of this round of talks was to provide each leader with alternative options. The source stated that after both sides outlined their positions, the discussions gradually shifted towards a more constructive direction.