Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that the next round of US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine is planned for next week in Abu Dhabi, signalling a cautious continuation of diplomatic efforts amid deep disagreements over territory and security.
Speaking at a regular press briefing in Moscow, Peskov said the precise date for the talks has not yet been finalised, although US media outlets have reported that negotiations could resume as early as Feb. 1. “Planned for next week. I cannot name the exact date right now,” he told reporters, underscoring that organisational details are still being coordinated among the parties involved.
Peskov urged restraint in assessing the results of the initial contacts, warning against overly optimistic expectations at such an early stage. He described the ongoing discussions as preliminary and technically focused, given the scale and sensitivity of the issues under consideration. “It would be premature to expect high effectiveness from the early trilateral contacts,” he said, adding that the complexity of the conflict requires sustained and painstaking work.
A central sticking point remains the territorial question, which Peskov said holds “fundamental importance” for Moscow. He reiterated that Russia’s position on territory is long-standing and firmly anchored in what is known as the “Anchorage Formula,” an agreement outlining broad parameters for a potential settlement in Ukraine. “This is our consistent position, the position of our president, that the territorial issue… has fundamental importance for the Russian side,” Peskov said, describing the matter as “a very complicated substance” with “challenging issues on the agenda.”
Despite these difficulties, the Kremlin spokesman offered a measured note of optimism, saying the very fact that talks have begun in a constructive manner is positive. “There is still very serious work ahead,” he cautioned, but acknowledged that maintaining dialogue is preferable to diplomatic stagnation.
Peskov also commented on recent remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said during his address to the World Economic Forum in Davos that Ukraine would not withdraw troops from Donbas. The Kremlin spokesman avoided responding directly to Zelenskyy’s statement, arguing that it would be inappropriate to publicly debate individual negotiation points while talks are ongoing. “Negotiations are proceeding at the expert level. Work is being done by a working group,” he said, adding that discussions are still at an initial stage.
Russia and Ukraine held two days of consultations in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 23–24 under US mediation, marking one of the few recent instances of direct engagement between the sides. The US administration has described those talks as “constructive,” though no concrete breakthroughs were announced.
The “Anchorage Formula” referenced by Peskov was reached during a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 15, 2025. The framework reportedly sets out guiding principles for a Ukrainian settlement, though many of its provisions remain contested and subject to further negotiation.
Asked whether a direct phone call between Putin and Trump was planned to support the diplomatic process, Peskov said no such conversation is currently scheduled.
Beyond Ukraine, Peskov addressed several international issues. Commenting on speculation about a possible US strike on Iran, he warned that such a move would severely destabilise the Middle East. He called on all parties to exercise restraint and prioritise peaceful negotiations. On Venezuela, Peskov said Russia remains in constant contact with the country’s leadership and that maintaining mutually beneficial relations continues to be a priority for Caracas.
He also described as “alarming” US media reports suggesting Washington is considering an oil blockade, or even a full blockade, of Cuba. Peskov stressed that Russia values its ties with Havana and believes Cuba is determined to defend its independence, adding another note of concern to an already tense global diplomatic landscape.
