Daily brief
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced a new round of trilateral peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, scheduled for February 4th and 5th in Abu Dhabi. Zelenskyy expressed hope for substantive discussions on key issues, including energy and territory. He also indicated Kyiv is ready for talks with the United States 'next week' regarding proposals related to Russia.
Russian figures, including Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Putin, have made critical comments about Zelenskyy's leadership, with Medvedev using a literary reference to suggest a grim fate and Putin alleging external control over him.
Berlin faces criticism over its limited level of military aid to Ukraine.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed Europe is directly preparing for war with Russia using the Kyiv authorities.