The key facts
- Peskov: Abu Dhabi is 'for now' being considered as the venue for trilateral talks between Russia, the US and Ukraine
- A phone call between the Russian and US presidents is not scheduled, but can be arranged upon request
- Putin's participation in the G20 summit in Miami is undecided; details of Putin's meeting with Witkoff are not disclosed
Abu Dhabi as a possible venue
Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is being considered as the location for a trilateral meeting between Russia, the US and Ukraine. 'For now, we are talking about Abu Dhabi,' he replied when asked whether the UAE capital was being considered as the main venue for the talks.
Top-level contact and the results of Witkoff's visit
Commenting on the results of US special envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to Russia, Peskov said there are currently no plans to arrange a phone call between the Russian and American presidents, but a conversation could be quickly organized at the request of either side. He refused to disclose details of Vladimir Putin's talks with Witkoff, emphasizing that mediation in such a complex negotiation process should be conducted quietly: 'Megaphone diplomacy and public discussion of proposals can only do harm.' Asked whether Putin had handed Witkoff any documents with plans for a settlement on Ukraine, Peskov answered negatively.
The G20 summit and assessments of Europe and the US
Speaking about the upcoming G20 summit in Miami (Florida), Peskov noted that Putin's participation has not yet been decided: Moscow will consider all circumstances before accepting or declining the invitation. According to him, Moscow has not heard constructive statements from Europe about a desire for de-escalation, although it considers the efforts of some European capitals to understand the situation a positive. He also stated that the American administration is making significant efforts to facilitate a peaceful settlement, whereas European capitals are doing little for peace and, on the contrary, are encouraging the continuation of hostilities.
Energy and Power of Siberia 2
Separately, Peskov said that Putin and Chinese State Councilor Premier Li Qiang, at their meeting in St. Petersburg, did not discuss preparations for a deal on the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, but did talk about broader energy cooperation, which, according to him, has significant untapped potential.
