U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that work has begun at peace talks on resolving the territorial issue of Donetsk, which he called the main and “very difficult” issue to resolve.
Source: Bukvy
According to Rubio, the demand of Russian President Vladimir Putin for territorial concessions regarding Donetsk remains a serious obstacle to a peace agreement. Ukraine, in turn, emphasizes that it will not cede territory to Russia, and most countries recognize Donetsk as part of Ukraine.
Rubio clarified that a U.S. representative may be present at the next round of talks, but Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who took part in previous meetings in Abu Dhabi, will not participate.
The trilateral talks last week ended without an agreement, but the parties agreed to continue the dialogue. The next meeting is expected to take place on February 1 in Abu Dhabi.
At a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio also said that U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine have been agreed upon and will take effect after the end of the conflict, provided the Russian component is taken into account.