Kremlin says first US-brokered talks with Ukraine in UAE were constructive but significant work remains, with next round set for February 1.
MOSCOW: The Kremlin stated that recent US-brokered trilateral talks with Ukrainian negotiators in the United Arab Emirates were conducted in a “constructive spirit”.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Monday that expecting major results from initial contacts would be a mistake.
“The very fact that these contacts have begun in a constructive spirit can be viewed positively,” Peskov said.
He added, however, that “there is significant work ahead”.
The two-day meeting in Abu Dhabi on Friday and Saturday marked the first direct negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian officials discussing a peace plan promoted by US President Donald Trump.
Peskov noted that the atmosphere was not friendly, stating “it’s hardly possible at this stage”.
“But if you’re trying to achieve something through negotiations, you need to speak constructively,” he said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the talks in his evening address on Monday.
He confirmed the next round of trilateral talks is expected to take place on February 1.
“It would be good if this meeting could be brought forward,” Zelensky added.
The president said he expects “real results” from the upcoming negotiations.
Zelensky also warned that Russia should not use the talks as a delaying tactic to avoid new Western sanctions.
The discussions occurred amid continued Russian attacks, with drones and missiles cutting power and heating to millions of Ukrainians during recent sub-zero temperatures.
