Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s deputy security council chairman and former president, told Reuters he believes President Donald Trump is sincerely pursuing a peace settlement in Ukraine and wants to be remembered as a peacemaker. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said his meetings with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev were "productive and constructive" as diplomatic contacts pick up. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a new round of three-way talks in Abu Dhabi this week, even as Russia steps up strikes on energy and logistics infrastructure ahead of winter. Medvedev, a Kremlin hardliner who has warned of possible escalation, emphasized avoiding further conflict while saying Russia still expects eventual military victory.
Kremlin’s Dmitry Medvedev Hails Trump As Peacemaker Ahead Of Abu Dhabi Ukraine Talks
Dmitry Medvedev attends an interview with Reuters, TASS and WarGonzo in the Moscow region, Russia, on Jan. 29, 2026.(Reuters Photos)
A senior Kremlin official on Friday praised President Donald Trump as an active leader seeking a settlement in Ukraine and said Moscow views renewed contacts with Washington as more constructive, according to an interview with Reuters.
Medvedev Backs Trump’s Peace Push
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council and a former president, told Reuters he believes Trump is genuinely trying to stop the fighting and wants to be remembered as a peacemaker. "Trump wants to go down in history as a peacemaker — and he is really trying," Medvedev said, adding that "contacts with Americans have become much more productive."
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a press conference in Kyiv on Feb. 10, 2025.
"Trump Wants To Go Down In History As A Peacemaker — And He Is Really Trying."
— Dmitry Medvedev, Reuters interview
Diplomatic Momentum And Upcoming Talks
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff told a Cabinet meeting he had "productive and constructive meetings" with Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev as part of the Trump administration's efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a new round of talks involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia is scheduled to take place this week in Abu Dhabi.
Context And Concerns
Medvedev rejected suggestions that Trump is secretly aligned with Moscow, saying Americans elected him and that Russia respects that choice. He praised Trump for challenging the U.S. political establishment and said the president’s blunt, sometimes brash, style is often misunderstood. Medvedev also suggested Trump’s business background shapes his negotiating approach, joking that there is no such thing as a former businessman.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and President Donald Trump meet at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 22, 2026.
At the same time, Medvedev — known as a hardliner in Russia’s leadership — has repeatedly warned about the risks of escalation, including nuclear risks, since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. He said avoiding further escalation remains a priority, while also saying he expects Russia ultimately to achieve military victory. "I would like this to happen as soon as possible," Medvedev said of ending the conflict, "but it is equally important to think about what will happen next. The goal of victory is to prevent new conflicts."
The announcement of talks comes as Russia has stepped up strikes on Ukraine’s energy and logistics infrastructure, worsening civilian hardship as winter temperatures fall. Observers say the coming Abu Dhabi talks will be closely watched for any concrete steps toward a ceasefire or negotiated settlement.
Reporting by Reuters; story summarized and edited for clarity.
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