Russia warns territorial issues must be resolved for lasting peace as U.S.-Ukraine talks begin

RUSSIA has warned that a long-term resolution to the conflict in Ukraine hinges on resolving territorial issues, as three-way security talks involving Moscow, Washington, and Kyiv began in the United Arab Emirates.

Reuters reported on Friday that the talks followed a late-night meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and a delegation of U.S. envoys, which started shortly before midnight and lasted approximately four hours.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov described the discussions as “useful and extremely frank” but stopped short of declaring any major breakthrough.

“Most importantly, during these talks between our president and the Americans, it was reiterated that without resolving the territorial issue according to the formula agreed upon in Anchorage, there is no hope of achieving a long-term settlement,” Ushakov said, referring to last year’s Trump-Putin summit in Alaska.

Ushakov confirmed that Russian Admiral Igor Kostyukov will lead Moscow’s team in the three-way security discussions, while investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev will hold separate talks on economic matters with Steve Witkoff, a U.S. envoy of former President Donald Trump.

Putin emphasised that Russia remains “sincerely interested” in a diplomatic solution. However, he reiterated that until progress is made, Moscow will continue to pursue its objectives in the ongoing military operation, particularly on the battlefield where Russian forces maintain the strategic initiative, Ushakov added.

The Russian delegation included Putin, Ushakov, and Dmitriev. The U.S. team was led by Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, alongside Josh Gruenbaum, newly appointed senior adviser to Trump’s Board of Peace, tasked with addressing global conflicts.

These talks mark the latest stage in efforts by the United States to bring an end to the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two, which is now approaching its fourth year.

Ushakov characterised the negotiations as a critical step in exploring potential diplomatic pathways, while signalling that progress remains contingent on resolving the complex territorial disputes that lie at the heart of the conflict. - January 23, 2026