Moscow dismisses US approach to negotiations - ISW
Photo: Yuriy Ushakov (GettyImages)
The Kremlin has rejected the US assessment that territorial control over Donetsk remains the only unresolved issue in peace talks between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Rubio's statement on one central issue
Analysts recalled US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's remark that Ukraine and Russia had allegedly narrowed the peace talks to a single key issue — the situation around Donetsk.
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov disagreed with this characterization. According to him, territorial issues are very important, but other significant topics remain on the agenda.
ISW notes that Ushakov has been the only Kremlin official to publicly comment on US-Russia negotiations in recent months.
ISW assessment: Kremlin avoids concessions
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War say Ushakov’s statements indicate Moscow's attempt to shape the domestic information narrative.
This is likely intended to justify Russia’s refusal to make compromises in the peace process.
Previous Russian statements
Earlier, Ushakov indicated Russia’'s willingness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Moscow — provided Zelenskyy is ready for negotiations. Russia, he said, would guarantee security and working conditions, but insists on a results-oriented approach.
Negotiations in Abu Dhabi
On January 23–24, a two-day trilateral meeting took place in Abu Dhabi between Ukraine, the US, and Russia on ending the war. The first round was introductory, after which the parties continued in an expanded format, splitting into political and military subgroups.
The most progress was reported in the military block, where potential force withdrawals, ceasefire monitoring mechanisms, and the creation of a coordination center were discussed. The parties agreed to prepare proposals for a ceasefire ahead of the next meeting.
No agreements were reached on territorial issues. According to media reports, Russia insists on controlling electricity from the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The next round of talks is scheduled for February 1 in Abu Dhabi, with the possibility of a Zelenskyy-Putin meeting not ruled out by the US.
Russia's position on Donbas
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized that the key issue in negotiations remains territorial control, particularly in Donbas.
Meanwhile, Putin demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the region as a condition for a peace deal.
ISW notes that Russia’s real territorial and political demands are far broader than those publicly stated. Media reports indicate that during the Abu Dhabi talks, the Ukrainian and US delegations also discussed the potential deployment of neutral peacekeeping forces in the occupied part of Donetsk.
