Russia’s foreign minister said Moscow should not fall into “overly enthusiastic perceptions of what is happening.”
“We have said this more than once: we must not fall into some kind of euphoric perception of events — that President Donald Trump has put Europeans in their place, put President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his place, and is demanding that they comply with [Russia’s ultimatum on a potential cease-fire],” Sergey Lavrov said.
He added that talks are ongoing and that the second round took place in Abu Dhabi, but said “there is still a long road ahead.”
On Jan. 22, an aide to Vladimir Putin, Yuri Ushakov, said that “without resolving the territorial issue under the formula agreed in Anchorage, there is no point in expecting a long-term settlement.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has also said Moscow plans to discuss the so-called “Anchorage formula” with delegations during talks in the United Arab Emirates, but declined to specify what positions it includes.
The second round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States concluded in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 5. The head of Ukraine’s presidential office, Kyrylo Budanov, said the talks were “truly constructive,” thanking the United States and the UAE for effective organization and mediation.
In a communiqué published by the head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umerov, the parties said they discussed methods for implementing a cease-fire and monitoring the cessation of hostilities.
On Feb. 9, the Kremlin issued a new manipulative statement on negotiations to end the war against Ukraine. Peskov said a breakthrough would be possible “only if the positions agreed at the Anchorage meeting are observed.”