Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are being resumed in Abu Dhabi, a temporary truce is valid until February 1. Russia demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbass, but Kiev refuses.
On Saturday, Kremlin envoy for economic affairs Kirill Dmitriyev arrived in the city of Miami, Florida, and held talks with US officials there. According to the AFP agency, this was stated by an informed source. The Russian emissary returned to the USA a day before the next round of peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, which are scheduled for Sunday in Abu Dhabi.
- Russian emissary Dmitriyev held talks with US officials in Miami.
- The key dispute is the control of Donbas in Ukraine.
- Negotiations to end the war are underway in Abu Dhabi.
- Russia has temporarily suspended attacks on energy infrastructure.
Dmitriev previously posted a photo of the sun rising over the sea on Instagram with the text “Back in Miami” and a dove of peace emoticon. He did not disclose further details about his program in Miami. During his previous stays in Miami, he held talks with US Ambassador Steve Witkoff.
Negotiations in Abu Dhabi, which resumed after a long break last weekend, are to explore options for ending the war in Ukraine. Both warring parties described the discussions as constructive, but an agreement on a peace treaty has not yet been reached.
The dispute is the territory
A key point of contention is Russia’s demand that Kiev withdraw its troops from the Donbass, which includes the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Moscow claims the entire Donetsk region, where it controls almost 80 percent of the territory. The neighboring Luhansk region is almost completely under the control of Russian troops. Kiev refuses to give up these territories.
At the request of US President Donald Trump, Russia agreed to temporarily suspend attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine. Trump cited extremely cold weather in Ukraine and widespread damage in Kyiv and other cities as the reason for his request. Russian attacks on other targets – especially logistical ones – in Ukraine continue, DPA added.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that the limited ceasefire would last only until Sunday, February 1, and was intended to create “good conditions” for peace talks in Abu Dhabi. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy admitted that there is no formal ceasefire agreement, but promised that Ukraine would not attack Russian energy facilities if Russia followed through on its declaration. Ukraine has been defending itself against the invasion of Russia for almost four years – since February 24, 2022.
