Kirill Dmitriev, whom Reuters identified as an envoy of the Russian leader, made the remarks on Feb. 5, speaking to reporters ahead of the second day of negotiations.
“We see that progress is certainly being made. There is positive movement forward,” Dmitriev said.
He claimed Russia was actively working to restore relations with the United States, including on economic issues.
Dmitriev also accused Europe and the United Kingdom of “constantly trying to interfere” in the peace process.
The second day of trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States began on Feb. 5 in Abu Dhabi, following the opening session the previous day.
On Feb. 4, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who heads Ukraine’s delegation, said the trilateral meetings had been “substantive and productive,” with a focus on concrete steps and practical solutions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said after the Feb. 4 talks that major issues remained unresolved but that Washington would do everything possible to achieve a “breakthrough.”