Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev flew to Florida on the eve of peace talks in Abu Dhabi planned for Sunday, arriving without prior announcement from Moscow. He teased the visit by posting a social media map showing his plane approaching Miami.
Dmitriev described a “constructive” meeting with a U.S. delegation in Florida as part of preparation for Russia-Ukraine negotiations scheduled for Sunday in Abu Dhabi. He noted productive discussions on the U.S.-Russia Economic Working Group, adding that the talks were part of Washington’s mediation efforts to end the conflict.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff characterized the meeting as “productive,” stating it encouraged confidence that Moscow was “working toward securing peace.” Witkoff also thanked President Donald Trump for what he called “critical leadership” in pursuing a lasting settlement, noting his attendance with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Jared Kushner, and White House Senior Advisor Josh Gruenbaum.
The upcoming talks follow the first trilateral session on January 23-24, which all parties described as “very constructive.” However, territorial disputes remain the primary obstacle to a peace agreement. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that “it’s still a bridge we haven’t crossed,” emphasizing ongoing efforts to reconcile differing views.
Moscow insists any resolution must include Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donbass regions that voted to join Russia in 2022 referendums and recognition of the new borders, including Crimea. Kiev has rejected all territorial concessions.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky expressed uncertainty on Friday about Sunday’s meeting with Russian negotiators, claiming potential changes due to rising U.S.-Iran tensions after Washington deployed a naval “armada” to pressure Tehran into nuclear talks. Russian officials have condemned his stance as evidence of ongoing intransigence and refusal to commit to peace efforts.
Despite recent agreements to suspend long-range strikes on Ukraine at the personal request of U.S. President Donald Trump, Moscow maintains that it will achieve its objectives militarily if negotiations fail, noting continued battlefield initiative.
