Russia: We Are Close to Achieving Peace After Abu Dhabi Talks

Russian negotiating delegation head Vladimir Medinsky confirmed that the parties have approached achieving peace following the trilateral negotiations held in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi.

When asked by Russian television about how close they were to reaching a peace agreement, Medinsky said, "Yes, I think so... but at present, reaching a great agreement depends on all participants in the process. Reaching a great agreement depends on Ukraine, on the position of the United States, and on whether Europe will return to its senses."

Medinsky emphasized to journalists that "every inch of Russian territory will return to the motherland, there is no other option," adding that European newspapers can continue to "live in illusion."

Medinsky and Ukrainian negotiators noted earlier that progress was made in the talks that concluded today, Wednesday, although American mediators stated there is a lack of trust between the warring parties and existing disagreements on issues including control zones.

In a related context, the head of the Russian delegation clarified that the humanitarian file was present during the trilateral negotiations, indicating that the parties reached an agreement on implementing a new and large-scale prisoner exchange operation.