Kremlin hails Abu Dhabi talks as ‘constructive,’ signals more dialogue with U.S., Ukraine

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian state outlet Interfax that the two-day talks featured “constructive and at the same time very difficult work,” which, he said, would continue.

The talks concluded on Feb. 5 in the United Arab Emirates capital. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said the three delegations had reached a deal on a POW exchange and expressed hope for “additional progress” in the coming weeks.

Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and a member of Kyiv’s delegation, also described the negotiations as constructive.

“I’m grateful to the United States and the UAE for their strong mediation and organization,” Budanov said.

In a communique issued by delegation head Rustem Umerov, the Feb. 4–5 talks were described as constructive and centered on laying the groundwork for a lasting peace. The parties agreed to brief their capitals and resume negotiations in the coming weeks.