A Russian representative said that talks with Ukraine mediated by the US resulted in some progress.

According to TASS, Special Representative of the Russian President, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev said on Thursday, there was “positive advancement” in the negotiations, although “warmongers from Europe and Britain are trying to thwart it.”

A Russian source told TASS that “economic aspects, the territorial issue, the mechanism of the ceasefire” are being discussed. That Russia is discussing a “ceasefire” appears to be a concession from Moscow. Previously, Russian officials said that the Kremlin was uninterested in a ceasefire and wanted a peace deal to end the conflict that ensures Moscow’s core interests in Ukraine.

A Western official speaking with TASS said that the security guarantees being discussed for Ukraine include giving Kiev an assurance of a rapid response in the event of a future Russian invasion, but would not include the deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine once the war ends.

Several European countries have pledged to send their soldiers to Ukraine once the conflict ends. During a surprise trip to Kiev on Tuesday, the NATO Secretary-General explained that alliance forces are prepared to deploy to Ukraine once the war ends. “We want to ensure that peace lasts, so children can look to the future without fear and help build a great nation,” he said. “Allies who agree will participate directly; other NATO members will support in other ways.”

The Russian source added that the talks continued for a second day and that the atmosphere was more “businesslike” than in previous talks.

This week’s talks in the UAE are the second round of discussion between Ukrainian and Russian officials. President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff announced on Thursday that Kiev and Moscow conducted a prisoner exchange.

“Today, delegations from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia agreed to exchange 314 prisoners—the first such exchange in five months,” he wrote on X. “This outcome was achieved from peace talks that have been detailed and productive.”

Today, delegations from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia agreed to exchange 314 prisoners—the first such exchange in five months.

This outcome was achieved from peace talks that have been detailed and productive. While significant work remains, steps like this demonstrate…

— Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (@SEPeaceMissions) February 5, 2026