The Kremlin says it does not expect rapid progress in the talks involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia

It would be a mistake to expect significant progress from the trilateral contacts between negotiating groups from Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. A lot of work still lies ahead.

This was stated to journalists by Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary to the Russian president.

“It would be wrong to count on any kind of high effectiveness from the first contacts. This is a very complex matter, with difficult issues on the agenda. But the very fact that these contacts have begun in a constructive manner can be assessed positively. Still, very serious work lies ahead,” the Kremlin spokesperson said.

He emphasized that the territorial issue, which is part of the “Anchorage formula,” is of fundamental importance for Moscow.

“Our negotiators continue to defend our interests,” Peskov noted.

He added that friendliness is unlikely at talks on Ukraine, but if the talks are underway, then it is necessary to try to achieve something. At the same time, Axios wrote the day before yesterday that at a joint lunch the participants in the negotiations looked “almost like friends.”

In addition, Peskov said that the next round of trilateral contacts is planned for next week, but there is no exact date yet.

Earlier, media reports said the meeting would take place on February 1, i.e., this coming Sunday. Some outlets reported more vaguely that the trilateral talks could be continued in the coming days.