Timeline set for upcoming Russia-Ukraine-US talks – Zelensky
The next round of US-mediated Moscow–Kiev talks is scheduled to take place on February 4 and 5 in Abu Dhabi, rather than this Sunday as previously planned, Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has announced in a post on his Telegram channel. The Kremlin has yet to comment on any change of schedule.
The initial round, held on January 23-24, marked the first trilateral format since the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalated in February 2022 and was described by all sides as “very constructive.” The issue of territorial concessions, however, remained the main sticking point, as Ukraine refused to recognize Russia’s new borders.
The New York Times reported on Sunday that the reason for the rescheduling of the talks remains unclear, noting that it followed a “surprise” meeting over the weekend between Russian and US negotiators in Florida.
Neither side disclosed details of the discussions. However, US envoy Steve Witkoff later wrote on social media: “We are encouraged by this meeting that Russia is working toward securing peace in Ukraine.” Russian President Vladimir Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev also called the meeting “constructive.”
While the upcoming Abu Dhabi talks have been described as trilateral, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier that both envoys Witkoff and Jared Kushner – Washington’s main negotiators in the Ukraine peace process – would not attend the next round of talks, though “there might be a US presence.”
Zelensky added in his Sunday post that “Ukraine is ready” for substantive discussions and is interested in achieving an outcome that would bring the conflict closer to an end.
Russia normally declines to publicly comment about details of sensitive negotiations, arguing that Ukraine-style “megaphone diplomacy” is counterproductive. Moscow has maintained that it would prefer to achieve its goals diplomatically but is prepared to do so militarily if talks fail.
Moscow insists any settlement must include Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Donbass regions of Donetsk and Lugansk that voted to join Russia in 2022 referendums and recognition of the country’s new borders, including Crimea. Kiev has rejected these demands and insisted on regaining the territories, despite continuously losing ground to Russian forces.
