Ukraine–Russia talks: US makes statement on 'most difficult' issues
Photo: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Getty Images)
Progress in the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia is significant, but the most difficult issues remain unresolved. This could delay the achievement of a final peace agreement for an indefinite period, states US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to Sky News.
Read also: Ukraine, US and Russia end first day of talks in Abu Dhabi
According to the Secretary of State, the administration of US President Donald Trump has made significant progress compared to the same period last year. The list of disagreements blocking peace has been noticeably reduced.
"If you look at the checklist of open items that existed at this time last year and the checklist of open items that remain now in terms of reaching a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, that list has been substantially diminished," Rubio said.
Main obstacles
Despite the positive momentum, the official warned that the final stage of the negotiations will be the most challenging. The main difficulties are focused on key points where the parties have yet to reach a compromise.
"That’s the good news. The bad news is that the items that remain are the most difficult ones. And meanwhile the war continues," the Secretary of State emphasized.
Peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi
The first round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US, and Russia took place on January 23–24 and marked the first meeting of the parties in this format. The negotiations were held at a technical level.
The meeting took place virtually immediately after Russia violated the so-called energy truce, when Moscow once again struck Ukrainian energy facilities.
The second round of talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the US is currently taking place in Abu Dhabi. It is worth noting that the start of the negotiations became known at around 12:00 Kyiv time. Accordingly, the talks lasted just under five hours.
