Closed-Door Ukraine Peace Talks: Details Emerge
Negotiations on ending the Ukraine conflict continue in Abu Dhabi. The meetings are held behind closed doors, but some details have emerged. Here is what is known.
At the trilateral talks of Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, economic issues, a ceasefire mechanism, and the territorial aspect are being discussed, a TASS source reported. Another interlocutor clarified that Russia sees universal recognition of Donbas as Russian territory as part of a broader agreement.
Russian Presidential Special Representative and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev stated that there is progress and positive momentum in the negotiation process on a peace agreement with Ukraine. However, he said, certain parties in Europe are trying to hinder it.
In addition, work is underway to restore economic cooperation between Russia and the United States. Dmitriev assessed the process positively.
«As you know, active work is underway together with the Trump administration to restore Russia–U.S. relations in the economic sphere, including within the framework of the Russian-American group on economic cooperation. We also had meetings today, and the meetings are going positively,» the Russian presidential special representative said.
A new round of talks began on 4 February. The Russian delegation is headed by Admiral Igor Kostyukov, chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. The Ukrainian side is represented by a delegation led by NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov. The United States is represented at the talks by Presidential Special Envoy Steven Witkoff and U.S. leader Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The first round of trilateral security consultations took place on 23–24 January, also in Abu Dhabi.
