Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday that peace talks over Ukraine are far from complete. He dismissed claims that progress is happening too quickly. Lavrov called such ideas “over-enthusiastic perceptions”.
Lavrov said the second round of talks took place in Abu Dhabi, but a long road remains. He criticized US efforts to claim credit and called Trump’s statements “overhyped”. Lavrov stressed that negotiations are ongoing and no deal has been reached.
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The minister accused the United States of abandoning earlier proposals and weaponizing sanctions and the dollar. He said Russia had accepted US suggestions last year, but Washington did not follow through. Lavrov also criticized European governments for “abject Russophobia,” citing sanctions and restrictions on Russian energy companies.
Russia-Ukraine talks were mediated by the US and held on Jan. 23–24 and Feb. 4–5 in Abu Dhabi. Ukraine seeks a ceasefire preserving its territory. Russia demands concessions, including withdrawal from parts of eastern Ukraine and recognition of occupied regions as Russian. The territorial dispute remains unresolved.
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Russia occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine, including parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine still holds key urban areas in Donetsk. Kremlin spokesman Peskov said talks will resume “soon,” but no date has been set. Both sides remain far apart on fundamental issues.