UPDATE - Kremlin says next round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks set for next week in Abu Dhabi

ADDS SPOKESPERSON'S COMMENTS ON OTHER TOPICS

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that the next round of US-mediated Russia-Ukraine peace talks is planned for next week, again in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE.

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov said the exact date has yet to be finalized, though US media reported that the talks could resume on Feb. 1.

"Planned for next week. I cannot name the exact date right now," he said.

Assessing the initial outcomes, Peskov cautioned that it would be premature to expect high effectiveness from the early trilateral contacts, given the complexity of the issues involved.

He also reiterated that the territorial issue has "fundamental importance" for the Russian side.

"It's no secret, this is our consistent position, the position of our president, that the territorial issue, which is part of the 'Anchorage Formula,' of course, has fundamental importance for the Russian side," he said.

The official described the territorial disputes as "a very complicated substance, challenging issues are on the agenda."

"But the mere fact that these contacts have begun constructively can be assessed positively. However, there is still very serious work ahead," he added.

Commenting on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's refusal to withdraw troops from Donbas, voiced during his address to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Peskov urged restraint in discussing "individual provisions."

"Currently, negotiations are proceeding at the expert level. Work is being done by a working group. Negotiations in this direct format are at an initial stage. It would be incorrect to discuss individual aspects of the issues on the agenda now, especially in a public format," Peskov said.

Russia and Ukraine held two days of consultations on Jan. 23-24 in Abu Dhabi, with US mediation. The US administration has described the talks as “constructive.”

The "Anchorage Formula" is an agreement, outlining parameters of the Ukrainian settlement, were reached by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump at their meeting on Aug. 15, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Asked about possible Russian-US presidential contacts, Peskov said there is currently no scheduled telephone conversation between Putin and Trump.

Commenting on the possibility of a US strike on Iran, Peskov said such actions would seriously destabilize the Middle East.

"Of course, in this case, we would expect all interested parties to exercise restraint and focus exclusively on peaceful negotiations in resolving the problems they perceive as pressing," he said.

Regarding Venezuela, Russia is "in constant contact" with the country's leadership through diplomatic channels, Peskov remarked.

"Judging by what we hear from Caracas, the continuation of mutually beneficial relations with Russia remains a priority," he said.

On US media reports claiming Washington is considering the possibility of an oil blockade, and ultimately a full blockade of Cuba to overthrow the communist government, Peskov described this information as "alarming."

"We are reading many reports on this issue. This is alarming information. We know that our Cuban comrades are determined to stand up for their interests and their independence," he said, emphasizing Russia values its relations with Cuba.