Russian President Vladimir Putin met with three U.S. envoys on Friday, January 23, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, signaling willingness to discuss security measures with the United States and Ukraine. However, the Kremlin stressed that territorial issues remain non-negotiable for any lasting peace, Reuters reported.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov described the talks, which lasted approximately four hours, as “substantial, constructive, and very sincere.” He added that Admiral Igor Kostyukov will lead Russia’s team in tripartite security negotiations, while investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev will meet separately with U.S. representative Steve Witkoff to discuss economic issues.
“The most important point reiterated throughout the meetings between our president and the Americans is that without resolving territorial matters according to the Anchorage formula, there is no hope for a long-term solution,” Ushakov said, referring to last year’s Trump-Putin summit in Alaska.
Ushakov also emphasized that Russia remains genuinely interested in a diplomatic solution, but until agreements on territorial questions are reached, the country will continue its special military operation. He added that Russian forces retain the strategic initiative on the battlefield.
Meanwhile, Ukraine faces its harshest winter of the war, with Russian missile and drone attacks disrupting electricity, heating, and water supplies in Kiev and other cities. Kyiv cited these actions as evidence that Putin lacks genuine interest in peace, which Moscow continues to deny.
The Russian delegation included Putin, Ushakov, and Dmitriev, while the U.S. team featured Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Josh Gruenbaum, recently appointed by Trump as a senior adviser on the Board of Peace, tasked with addressing global conflicts.
