New Round of Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Planned for Next Week

(MENAFN) Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced on Monday that a fresh round of U.S. mediated peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine is slated for next week in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, though the specific date is still being finalized.

At a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov declined to specify when the next session will begin, even as some U.S. media outlets have suggested talks could restart on Feb. 1.

"Planned for next week. I cannot name the exact date right now," he said.

On the early results of the trilateral discussions, Peskov warned that it is too soon to expect significant breakthroughs at this stage because of the intricate nature of the issues being addressed.

He also reiterated Moscow’s firm stance on territorial matters, which he described as central to Russia’s negotiating position.

"It's no secret, this is our consistent position, the position of our president, that the territorial issue, which is part of the 'Anchorage Formula,' of course, has fundamental importance for the Russian side," he said.

Peskov characterized the disputes over territory as exceptionally complex and said the talks face “challenging issues” on the agenda.

"But the mere fact that these contacts have begun constructively can be assessed positively. However, there is still very serious work ahead," he added.

Addressing comments by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on his reluctance to pull back forces from Donbas — remarks he made at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland — Peskov urged caution in dissecting specific negotiation points.

"Currently, negotiations are proceeding at the expert level. Work is being done by a working group. Negotiations in this direct format are at an initial stage. It would be incorrect to discuss individual aspects of the issues on the agenda now, especially in a public format," Peskov said.

Russia and Ukraine completed two days of trilateral talks on Jan. 23 24 in Abu Dhabi under U.S. mediation, with Washington describing the discussions as “constructive.”

The “Anchorage Formula” refers to a set of parameters for a settlement that Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed upon during their Aug. 15, 2025 meeting in Anchorage, Alaska.

When asked about potential direct presidential talks between Putin and Trump, Peskov said no call is currently scheduled.

Turning to broader geopolitical issues, Peskov warned that any U.S. strike on Iran would “seriously destabilize” the Middle East.

"Of course, in this case, we would expect all interested parties to exercise restraint and focus exclusively on peaceful negotiations in resolving the problems they perceive as pressing," he said.

On Venezuela, Peskov said Russia remains "in constant contact" with Caracas through diplomatic channels.

"Judging by what we hear from Caracas, the continuation of mutually beneficial relations with Russia remains a priority," he said.

Responding to U.S. media reports that Washington might consider an oil blockade, and eventually a full blockade, of Cuba to pressure the communist government, Peskov labeled the information “alarming.”

"We are reading many reports on this issue. This is alarming information. We know that our Cuban comrades are determined to stand up for their interests and their independence," he said, underlining Russia’s emphasis on its relationship with Cuba.

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