Ukraine–Russia talks stall as Kremlin rejects EU dialogue

Diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine remain stalled after talks in Abu Dhabi ended without an agreement. Moscow has since ruled out dialogue with the EU’s top diplomat.

Meanwhile, Kyiv says a key U.S. security deal is ready for signature, signalling limited progress behind the scenes.

The Kremlin said it would not engage in any discussions with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, insisting it would simply wait for her to leave office.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the idea of talks outright, saying: “How can you discuss anything with Kaja Kallas? We will never discuss anything with her… We just have to wait until she leaves.”

Peskov also said Moscow was closely monitoring U.S. plans for the “Golden Dome” missile defence system, stressing Greenland’s strategic importance for global security.

“It’s a strategic location in terms of security. I don’t want to speak on who can threaten Greenland, but it has a lot of importance regarding strategic stability and security,” he added.

On the Ukrainian side, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a U.S. document outlining security guarantees for Ukraine is “100% ready” and now awaits a date and location for signing.

Speaking in Vilnius, Lithuania he said the agreement would require ratification by both the U.S. Congress and Ukraine’s parliament, while underlining that European security guarantees remain essential.

Zelenskyy also reiterated his demand for a clear end date to the war and insisted Russia must sign a U.S.-backed 20-point plan. “I hope America will not reduce pressure on Russia for the sake of diplomacy,” he said, calling on Europe to maintain sanctions and tougher measures against Russian oil shipments.

Ukraine and Russia held their first trilateral talks with U.S. mediators on 23–24 January in Abu Dhabi. Although no deal was reached, Kyiv said the discussions narrowed the number of unresolved issues and further talks are expected soon.

• Ukraine–Russia talks end without deal as more talks planned imminently
• Russian attacks hit Ukraine as talks in Abu Dhabi wrap up

He said Moscow was seeking to pressure Ukraine into abandoning eastern regions it has failed to fully seize since launching its full-scale invasion, but stressed that Kyiv remained firm in its position that Ukraine’s territorial integrity must be preserved.

“These are two fundamentally different positions – those of Ukraine and Russia,” Zelenskyy said, adding that the United States was attempting to bridge the gap and that all parties, including Washington, would need to be prepared to compromise.

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News Volodymyr Zelenskyy United States Security Abu Dhabi Ukraine War Kaja Kallas EU