'Significant Work Ahead': Russia Says Latest Ukraine Peace Talks 'Constructive' But Gaps Remain

Last Updated:January 26, 2026, 21:12 IST

The talks, which took place in Abu Dhabi on Friday and Saturday, brought together negotiators from Russia, Ukraine and the US.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan (C) speaking with the heads of delegations participating in the trilateral talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine. (AFP photo)

Russia on Monday said that the latest US-brokered peace talks with Ukraine had been held in a “constructive spirit", but warned that major differences remain and that a final settlement is still a long way off.

The talks, which took place in Abu Dhabi on Friday and Saturday, brought together negotiators from Russia, Ukraine and the United States as part of efforts to end the nearly four-year war.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there had been no breakthrough so far. “It would be a mistake to expect any significant results from the initial contacts," he told journalists.

“But the very fact that these contacts have begun in a constructive spirit can be viewed positively. However, there is significant work ahead," he added.

Peskov said another round of trilateral talks was planned for next week. A US official confirmed that negotiators are expected to return to the United Arab Emirates on February 1.

Asked about the atmosphere of the meeting, Peskov played down expectations of any thaw in relations. “I wouldn’t say there was any friendliness there, it’s hardly possible at this stage," he said. “But if you’re trying to achieve something through negotiations, you need to speak constructively."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also called the talks as constructive, saying “a lot was discussed". However, he acknowledged that serious disagreements remain between the two sides, even as he said peace proposals were “nearly ready".

A key sticking point is territory. Kyiv insists that Russia must withdraw from occupied areas, including parts of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region. Moscow has so far shown no sign of backing away from its claims over the land its forces control, or seek to control.

The talks took place against the backdrop of continued fighting. On the eve of the second day of meetings, Russian drones and missiles hit Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, cutting electricity to millions of people during freezing temperatures. Kyiv accused Moscow of undermining the negotiations.

Ukraine’s air force said on Monday that Russia launched 138 drones overnight, with strikes recorded at 11 locations across the country, underlining the challenges facing any push towards peace.

(With inputs from agencies)

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