Russia’s chief Ukrainian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev traveled to Florida on Saturday for meetings with U.S. officials ahead of Sunday’s scheduled peace talks in Abu Dhabi between Moscow and Kyiv.
Dmitriev described the discussions as “constructive,” noting productive dialogue regarding the U.S.-Russia Economic Working Group. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff characterized the engagement as “productive” and stated it reinforced Washington’s confidence that Moscow was “working toward securing peace.”
The meeting follows a previous round of negotiations on January 23-24, which all parties described as “very constructive.” However, territorial disputes remain the primary obstacle to a lasting settlement. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that “it’s still a bridge we haven’t crossed,” highlighting ongoing efforts to reconcile differing positions.
Moscow insists any peace agreement must include Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donbass regions that voted in 2022 referendums to join Russia and recognition of Crimea as part of Russian territory. Kyiv has consistently rejected territorial concessions.
Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky expressed uncertainty about the Sunday meeting, citing potential disruptions due to escalating U.S.-Iran tensions following Washington’s naval deployment near Tehran. No official changes have been announced.
Russian officials have repeatedly accused Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky of refusing to compromise while making demands that undermine diplomatic progress. Despite Moscow’s recent agreement to suspend long-range strikes on Ukraine at the request of U.S. President Donald Trump, skepticism remains about Kyiv’s commitment to peace.