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"On Point"
MINSK, 7 February (BelTA) - In the latest episode of the V Teme [On Point] project on BelTA’s YouTube channel, Doctor of Historical Sciences Nikolai Platoshkin assessed the results of the latest round of negotiations between Russia, the USA, and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi.
According to the political analyst, the inclusion of representatives from military structures in the delegations indicates that the work is already being conducted at an expert level. “I believe they are already working on the question of how to monitor a ceasefire. The composition of the delegation shows this. What kind of observers there will be, and so on,” Nikolai Platoshkin said. “Usually after all these talks, there’s chatter about how ‘wonderful, grand’ it was, but now they’re keeping quiet. This silence, as Trump noted, stems from a fear of disrupting the progress.”
The expert recalled that one of the main issues being discussed during the negotiations concerns territories: “The talk was about Ukraine needing to withdraw from the remaining part of Donbas. A decision on this matter, I believe, was made under the U.S. pressure. Zelensky does not want to be taken ‘red-handed’ if something happens. What is he saying now? That he is only ready to resolve this with Putin. Then it began: Putin invites Zelensky to Moscow; but he says no, you come here yourself.”
Nikolai Platoshkin believes the best place for these negotiations would be Belarus. However, Vladimir Zelensky rejects this option as well.
Another significant issue brought to the negotiations is security guarantees. “Zelensky, I think, would be satisfied with some observers. Meaning, not troops, but some liaison officers, others like that. I believe there is a compromise here. All that remains is a meeting between the two heads of state,” said the political analyst. “Putin has said that Russia is interested in peace. Now is the time to translate that interest into real action. Russia, I think, would only benefit from this.”
The second round of negotiations on Ukraine within the trilateral group, involving delegations from Russia, the USA, and Ukraine, took place in Abu Dhabi on 4 and 5 February 2026.
According to Special Representative of the President of Russia Kirill Dmitriev, there is progress and “positive forward movement” in the negotiation process for a peace agreement with Ukraine, although “warmongers from Europe, from the UK” are trying to hinder it.
U.S. President’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated that the Russian and Ukrainian delegations agreed on the exchange of 314 prisoners of war and described the negotiations themselves as detailed and productive. According to him, the delegations of Russia and Ukraine intend to continue consultations on resolving the conflict, and progress on this issue is expected in the coming weeks.
Later, the negotiations were also commented on by U.S. President Donald Trump. Responding to journalists’ questions, he noted that the talks on conflict settlement were going very well.
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