Moscow has not set a new date for Ukraine war talks amid conflicting reports.
Talks Without New Date
Russian state media initially reported a Feb. 1 meeting between Ukrainian and Russian delegations, including American representatives. Diplomats repeated territorial demands toward Kyiv. The next day, media cited only Ukrainian President Zelensky, proposing a second round of negotiations for Feb. 4-5. Analyst Vasily Zharkok speculated on potential reasons for the delay, including preparation time or U.S. disapproval amid events in Iran.
Kremlin Envoy’s Visit to the US
Russian state media cited a New York Times report that the Russia-Ukraine-U.S. meeting was postponed following a Saturday meeting between Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev and White House officials. A Washington representative, Steve Witkoff, called the talks “productive and constructive,” stating the U.S. was inspired by Russia’s work toward peace in Ukraine. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko noted that while security guarantees for Ukraine are important, guarantees for Russia are more crucial.
Zelensky on Russian Attacks and Victims
Ukrainian President Zelensky offered condolences to families of miners killed in a Russian drone attack in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. The drone struck a bus transporting workers home from their shift underground, killing 15. The attack occurred in Ternivka, Pavlohrad district. On Sunday, Russian drones also targeted energy infrastructure in Nikopol and Marhaniec. Zelensky added Russians hit railway infrastructure in Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy oblasts. Kyiv faces a severe heating crisis, with nearly 500 residential buildings without heat as temperatures are forecast to drop below -20°C.
