By Staff Reporter
MOSCOW | The Kremlin on Monday described recent US-brokered trilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine held in the United Arab Emirates as “constructive,” while cautioning that major challenges remain before any breakthrough can be achieved.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said expectations should remain measured following the initial contacts.
“It would be a mistake to expect any significant results from the first meetings,” Peskov told journalists. “However, the fact that these contacts have begun in a constructive spirit can be viewed positively. There is still significant work ahead.”
The discussions, held in Abu Dhabi on Friday and Saturday, brought together negotiators from Russia, Ukraine and the United States. While few details were disclosed, the talks are part of an ongoing effort by the Trump administration to push for a negotiated end to nearly four years of full-scale war between Moscow and Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the meetings yielded tangible progress, announcing that a US security guarantees agreement for Ukraine is now “100 percent ready” to be signed.
Speaking during an official visit to Lithuania, Zelensky said Kyiv is awaiting confirmation of a signing date from its partners. Once signed, the document will be submitted to both the US Congress and Ukraine’s parliament for ratification.
Zelensky also reiterated Ukraine’s ambition to join the European Union by 2027, describing EU membership as a vital “economic security guarantee” for the country’s future.
He said the Abu Dhabi talks marked one of the first trilateral formats in years to include not only diplomats, but also military representatives from all three sides. Despite this, Zelensky acknowledged that deep divisions persist—particularly over territorial issues.
“Our position regarding our territory—Ukraine’s territorial integrity—must be respected,” he said.
Russia, however, maintains that any peace agreement would require Ukraine to withdraw its forces from eastern regions that Moscow claims to have annexed, despite not having full control over them.
Separately, Russian President Vladimir Putin held extended talks last week with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, focusing on possible pathways toward a settlement.
A US official confirmed that negotiators are expected to return to the UAE on February 1 for the next round of discussions. Topics under review include military arrangements, economic issues and the possibility of a ceasefire ahead of a broader agreement. No final framework has yet been agreed upon regarding the operation and oversight of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which remains under Russian occupation.
Meanwhile, Zelensky renewed calls for additional air defence systems as Ukraine continues to endure heavy Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. Kyiv has been particularly affected, with thousands of residential buildings left without heating amid sub-zero temperatures.
According to Zelensky, Russia launched more than 1,700 attack drones, over 1,380 guided aerial bombs and 69 missiles in just the past week. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least 1,676 high-rise apartment buildings lost heating following strikes on January 24, with repair efforts slowed by continued bombardment and extreme cold.
Source : Gulf News
