Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, has indicated that talks aimed at achieving a peace settlement in Ukraine are moving forward, describing the discussions as showing “progress and positive movement.” Speaking on Thursday, Dmitriev highlighted that despite external pressures, particularly from European countries and the United Kingdom, momentum is being made toward potential agreements.
Dmitriev, who also oversees economic and diplomatic matters for Russia, asserted that attempts by foreign actors to interfere in the peace process have only strengthened Russia’s resolve to advance negotiations. “The warmongers from Europe, from Britain, are constantly trying to interfere with this process… and the more such attempts there are, the more we see that progress is definitely being made,” he said.
The envoy noted that work is ongoing to restore ties with the United States, particularly through the framework of a U.S.-Russia economic working group. This step, Dmitriev suggested, complements broader diplomatic efforts to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict while addressing economic cooperation between the two nations.
These remarks come amid a resumed round of trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi, involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. While the discussions aim to pave the way for a comprehensive peace deal, previous sessions concluded without a major breakthrough. Observers note that confidence-building measures, including discussions on prisoner exchanges, have shown tentative signs of progress, but the core political and territorial disputes remain unresolved.
Despite diplomatic optimism, military confrontations and attacks continue along key frontlines in Ukraine, demonstrating the fragility of ongoing negotiations. Kremlin officials have tempered expectations, suggesting that while progress is being made, a full peace settlement remains distant and complex.
Analysts see Dmitriev’s statements as both a diplomatic signal to Western powers and a domestic message reinforcing the narrative that Russia is actively pursuing peace, even amid criticism. The evolving talks in the UAE reflect a larger international effort to find pathways to end the nearly four-year-long conflict while balancing geopolitical and security concerns in Europe and beyond.
In conclusion, while Russia portrays the negotiations as advancing, the road to a lasting Ukraine peace deal is still fraught with obstacles, and meaningful resolution will depend on sustained dialogue, concessions, and international cooperation.