Russia explains postponement of Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi
Minh Phuong, VOV correspondent in Russia -
(VOVWORLD) - Russia has confirmed that talks with Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi that were meant to take place over the weekend have been moved to Wednesday, blaming a scheduling issue for the delay.
 UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (center) meets with representatives from the US, Russia, and Ukraine participating in trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on January 23, 2026. (Photo: Hamad Al Kaabi/UAE Presidential Court/Handout via REUTERS) |
“Additional coordination of the schedules of the three parties was needed", Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that the second round will take place on Wednesday and Thursday.
Peskov said talks on Ukraine are complex and some issues are still unresolved, despite positive prospects for a diplomatic solution. Russia says it remains open to dialogue, but insists that any high-level meeting must be held in Moscow.
The Kremlin says Washington has acknowledged that, for any lasting peace, territorial issues must be resolved under the "Anchorage Formula". The Anchorage Formula is an agreement reached by Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump at their meeting on August 15, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska. Russia viewed the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbas as a crucial condition.
Minh Phuong, VOV correspondent in Russia