CNN: US says Abu Dhabi talks 'exceeded expectations'

The United States has positively assessed the talks that took place in Abu Dhabi on Friday and Saturday between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. This was reported by CNN about unnamed interlocutors familiar with the matter.

American officials described the talks as "exceeding expectations" and noted that the atmosphere in the room was "very optimistic, very positive, and constructive."

One U.S. official said the meeting was a significant step forward after months of quiet diplomacy, emphasizing that while a final agreement is not guaranteed, progress would not have been possible without direct talks.

"Reaching this result is a really big step," the official said, adding that the parties had studied each other's positions and worked creatively to find solutions.

"De-escalation is important. Yes, the territory is also important, but we have excluded many things that the parties could not agree on before Geneva. It is important for us to maintain the momentum," the source emphasized.

The two sides agreed that the next round of talks would begin on February 1, again in Abu Dhabi, U.S. officials said.

Meanwhile, a UAE government spokesperson said that the talks were held in a "positive and constructive atmosphere" and that representatives of Ukraine and Russia directly discussed elements of the US-proposed peace agreement.

US Special Envoy, member of the US delegation Steve Witkoff confirmedthe Ukrainian government has announced that a new round of talks between Ukraine, the United States and Russia to resolve the war will take place next week in Abu Dhabi.

He said that on Friday and Saturday, the United States, together with Ukraine and Russia, held a trilateral meeting, which was graciously hosted by the UAE.

Mr. Vitkoff called the two-day dialog constructive. According to him, the parties agreed to continue negotiations next week in Abu Dhabi.

The US envoy assured that the US President Donald Trump and his entire team are determined to end this war and bring peace.

• January 24 Zelenskyy positively appreciated the two-day negotiations Ukraine, Russia, and the United States in Abu Dhabi and added that further meetings could take place next week.
• Axios media wrote that during the trilateral negotiations there was also a bilateral meeting between Kyiv and Moscow in the UAE.