RIA on Oct. 30 quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying preparations for
Russia–U.S.–Ukraine trilateral talks are underway but do not constitute a
Russian pledge to limit military operations. Peskov said Moscow opposes
ceasefires that would give Ukraine a “breathing space,” is retaliating for
Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries but will not raise that issue in talks,
and that the aim of the special military operation is to deprive Ukraine of the
ability to carry out attacks. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said on Oct. 30 the
talks, mediated by the U.S., are planned and could take place in mid-November in
Abu Dhabi.
