‘A Mistake to Expect Significant Results’ – Kremlin Curbs Enthusiasm About Next Round of Talks

The Kremlin’s spokesman on Monday said that the talks on Friday and Saturday between envoys from Moscow and Kyiv in the United Arab Emirates were held in a “constructive spirit,” but there was still “significant work ahead.”

“It would be a mistake to expect any significant results from the initial contacts... But the very fact that these contacts have begun in a constructive spirit can be viewed positively. However, there is significant work ahead,” Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

This is the first time that envoys from Moscow and Kyiv have had what was termed as an “upbeat” meeting, and the development of a plan to convene later this week was seen as a positive step toward peace. 

While there was no deal reached over the weekend in Abu Dhabi, renewed talks are expected this coming Sunday.

“I wouldn’t say there was any friendliness there, it’s hardly possible at this stage,” Peskov said. “But if you’re trying to achieve something through negotiations, you need to speak constructively,” he added.

In a post after receiving a briefing from Ukraine’s delegation, President Volodymyr Zelensky said the talks in the United Arab Emirates marked the first trilateral dialogue format in a long time and focused primarily on military issues critical to ending the war.

But Ukraine also held its reservations that Moscow was serious about peace.

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“Peace efforts? Trilateral meeting in the UAE? Diplomacy? For Ukrainians, this was another night of Russian terror,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said after a weekend of shelling and drone attacks that left about 800,000 people without heat in the shivering capital alone.

Sybiha commented that Russian leader Vladimir Putin “ordered a brutal massive missile strike against Ukraine right while delegations are meeting in Abu Dhabi to advance the America-led peace process. His missiles hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table.”

In his nightly address on Monday, Zelensky remained practical but positive about talks.

“Ukraine will be as fully prepared as possible on all matters that need to be discussed and agreed,” he said.

“Ukraine has always been and will remain on the side of peace, and the only reason this war continues is Russia,” he continued. “Real results from diplomacy are needed so that there is no impression that the Russians are also using the negotiation process for a very cynical and brutal purpose – pushing back new pressure measures against Russia that could actually work. And pressure is needed… Partners must not forget this.”