Trump says Russia-Ukraine talks can proceed without US
Less than a day remains before the new round of consultations begins.
Russia and Ukraine are prepared to hold talks without the participation of the United States. US President Donald Trump told journalists about this.
«Yes... I think they (the talks. — Ed.) have a chance. We tried,» the American leader said in response to journalists« questions about whether the countries» negotiations could proceed without his special envoys.
However, he did not elaborate on what formats for US participation in future talks are currently being discussed by his administration. He also reiterated that the sides «got very close to resolving the conflict.»
A new round of talks in Abu Dhabi (UAE) will resume on February 1. This information was confirmed by Moscow and Kyiv. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not rule out that they will be bilateral. It is assumed that the new round of meetings in Abu Dhabi will also be held behind closed doors, like the previous two-day consultations.
To create favorable conditions for the upcoming summit, Russia agreed to a request from the White House head to refrain from strikes against Ukraine until February 1. Trump personally made this request to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
