By Elena Teslova
MOSCOW (AA) - Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday positively assessed the beginning of US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, which started in Abu Dhabi last week.
Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov said the very fact that experts have begun to discuss complex issues related to a Ukrainian settlement was “a progress.”
“In general, the fact that at the expert level, a whole set of complex issues related to the settlement is being discussed can already be considered progress - the beginning of a dialogue,” the Kremlin spokesman said.
He added that Moscow expects the talks to continue.
“Undoubtedly, the work is ongoing. It is good that it started in the form of direct contacts. These are very complex negotiations that began at the expert level. As you know, agreements have been reached on their continuation, and the work will continue,” Peskov said.
According to him, the outcome of the negotiations will depend on how constructive the participants are.
“Russia continues to remain open to the negotiation process,” he said.
Peskov declined to comment on Russia’s military losses in the war, saying only the Defense Ministry holds such information.
“We propose to focus on the information provided through the Ministry of Defense. It is the Ministry of Defense that is authorized to provide information on any losses during the special military operation. They and only they,” he stressed.
On Jan. 23-24, Russia and Ukraine held a series of US-mediated consultations in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The US administration described the talks as “constructive.” Another round of the talks is expected on Sunday.