Moscow Hails Trump's Diplomatic Push as Ukraine Peace Talks Set to Resume in Abu Dhabi
MOSCOW/WASHINGTON – As preparations intensify for a new round of peace negotiations on Ukraine, a top Russian official has offered rare and direct praise for U.S. President Donald Trump's diplomatic approach, signaling a potential thaw in the protracted conflict.
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council and a former president, stated in an exclusive interview that President Trump is making a genuine attempt to end the war and secure his legacy as a peacemaker. "Trump wants to go down in history as a peacemaker—and he is really trying," Medvedev told Reuters. "Contacts with the Americans have become much more productive as a result."
The comments come amid a flurry of diplomatic activity. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff reported "productive and constructive" meetings last week with his Russian counterpart, Kirill Dmitriev. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a fresh round of talks involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia will convene this week in Abu Dhabi.
This diplomatic push unfolds against a grim backdrop: Russia has escalated strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis as winter sets in. Analysts suggest Moscow may be leveraging military pressure to strengthen its hand at the negotiating table.
Medvedev, often viewed as a hardliner within the Kremlin, dismissed allegations that Trump is unduly aligned with Russian interests. He attributed the U.S. President's style to his business background, suggesting a pragmatic, deal-oriented approach drives the current peace initiative. "Behind the perceived chaos lies a conscious and competent line," Medvedev argued.
However, Medvedev reiterated Russia's ultimate objective, stating that while avoiding broader conflict is paramount, Moscow still expects a military victory in Ukraine. "The goal of victory is to prevent new conflicts," he said.
The upcoming Abu Dhabi talks will be a critical test of whether the recent diplomatic warmth can translate into tangible progress on the ground, where fighting continues to claim lives daily.
Reaction & Analysis
Dr. Evelyn Reed, Senior Fellow at the Transatlantic Security Institute: "Medvedev's praise is a classic diplomatic maneuver. It's less about Trump personally and more about encouraging a U.S. stance that Moscow perceives as more favorable. The real indicator will be if these talks address core issues like territorial sovereignty and security guarantees."
Mark Kovacs, Political Risk Consultant based in Kyiv: "There's cautious hope here, but also profound skepticism. Any deal that sidelines Ukraine's sovereignty or legitimizes occupied territory will be a Pyrrhic peace. The timing of Russia's intensified attacks is not coincidental; it's negotiation by artillery."
Sarah Chen, former State Department official: "This is dangerously naive. Praising Trump while bombing civilians is a stark contradiction. It feels like a strategy to drive a wedge between the U.S. and its European allies by presenting Trump as the sole peacemaker. We must not mistake rhetoric for reality."
James Foley, talk radio host: "Finally! A world leader who cuts through the globalist warmongering and actually tries to stop the bleeding. The D.C. establishment and their media puppets have vilified Trump for years over Russia. Now a Russian official confirms he's the only one serious about peace. It's vindication, and it exposes the endless war lobby for what they are."