Russia-Ukraine talks end without breakthrough, U.S. pushes for March peace deal

The U.S.-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine concluded a two-day round of talks in Abu Dhabi on February 5, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The negotiations with both sides agreeing to a large-scale prisoner exchange but failing to achieve substantive breakthroughs on core issues such as territorial arrangements and a ceasefire.

The talks ended with no joint political or security statement, underscoring persistent differences between Russia and Ukraine on key matters, including territorial disputes, ceasefire arrangements and security guarantees.

Speaking on February 6, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that there are currently no plans for a new round of Ukraine-related talks in the United States. Peskov added that the specific dates for future negotiations have yet to be determined but are expected to be scheduled soon.

Meanwhile, two sources told Reuters, U.S. and Ukrainian officials had discussed the possibility that Washington is pushing for a ceasefire agreement to be reached by March and seeks to have it ratified through a Ukrainian referendum as quickly as possible. Sources noted that with the U.S. midterm elections approaching in November, former President Donald Trump may prioritize domestic matters, potentially limiting the time and political capital available for U.S. officials to secure a peace agreement.

In a separate development, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Ukraine of attempting to assassinate a senior Russian general. Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, deputy head in charge of military intelligence, was shot and injured in a Moscow apartment block by gunmen, who then fled, Dasha Chernyshova of CGTN reports. The attack occurred in the early hours of Friday in the northeastern part of the Russian capital.

The latest developments underscore the continued uncertainty in diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict.

(With input from agencies)