Next Russia-Ukraine peace talks set for Abu Dhabi next week: Kremlin

A follow-up round of diplomatic negotiations between Russia and Ukraine is planned to take place in Abu Dhabi next week, the Kremlin confirmed on Monday. The talks, which will again involve mediation by the United States, signal a continuation of the direct dialogue that began last week in the United Arab Emirates capital.

Kremlin confirms timeframe, finalizes date

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that the next round of consultations is "planned for next week" in Abu Dhabi. He indicated that while the precise day of the meeting is still being worked out, the location will remain the same. "I cannot name the exact date right now," Peskov stated, responding to media reports that suggested the talks might reconvene on February 1. The UAE is increasingly playing a central role as a neutral diplomatic hub for this sensitive dialogue.

A cautious assessment of initial progress

Commenting on the outcomes of the inaugural two-day talks held on January 23-24, Peskov urged for realistic expectations. He suggested it would be "premature to expect high effectiveness from the early trilateral contacts," emphasizing the profound complexity of the issues on the table. A core point of contention remains the status of territories currently under Russian control. "The territorial issue, which is part of the 'Anchorage Formula,' naturally has fundamental significance for the Russian side. Our negotiators continue to defend our interests," Peskov asserted.

A fragile diplomatic process takes shape

The U.S. administration has described the initial talks as "constructive," a characterization that allowed for the scheduling of a second meeting. The continuation of the process itself is seen as a positive, albeit fragile, development in a nearly two-year-long war. The involvement of the UAE, a nation that maintains communication channels with all sides, underscores the importance of non-aligned actors in facilitating international diplomacy. This aligns with the approach of other nations, like Türkiye, which has consistently advocated for and hosted negotiations, emphasizing that dialogue is the only path to a sustainable peace.