Zelenskyy reports preparations for new meeting of Ukrainian, US and Russian delegations
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said preparations are underway for another meeting of the negotiating teams from Ukraine, the United States and Russia, which is planned for Sunday 1 February.
Source: Zelenskyy in his evening address, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Zelenskyy noted that on 26 January, he received a detailed report from the Ukrainian delegation following the trilateral meetings in the United Arab Emirates.
Quote: "For the first time in a long while, there was again a format involving the Americans and the Russians. They managed to discuss a range of primarily military issues – those concerning steps towards ending the war and real control and monitoring. There are issues that need to be prepared for the next meeting. Preliminary discussions indicated that the teams would meet again on Sunday. It would be good if this meeting could be moved up."
Details: Zelenskyy promised that "Ukraine will be as fully prepared as possible on all matters that need to be discussed and agreed".
Quote: "Ukraine has always been and will remain on the side of peace, and the only reason this war continues is Russia. Real results from diplomacy are needed so that there is no impression that the Russians are also using the negotiation process for a very cynical and brutal purpose – pushing back new pressure measures against Russia that could actually work. And pressure is needed… Partners must not forget this."
Background:
- Trilateral talks between the US, Ukraine and Russia took place in Abu Dhabi on 23-24 January.
- Axios reported earlier that after the meetings, the sides had agreed to continue consultations on 1 February.
- Territory is one of the core issues on the table. Ukraine insists that any discussion on territory should start from the current line of contact, while Russia continues to demand the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the unoccupied part of Donetsk Oblast.
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