Russian negotiator Medinsky says peace appears closer after Abu Dhabi talks

A single, detail-free characterisation of progress from Moscow's chief negotiator is thin evidence on which to base a view of de-escalation, and markets have repeatedly learned to discount optimistic framing that is not backed by substance. The comment nonetheless matters because it is the first Russian-side signal after the Abu Dhabi round, and it lands against a backdrop where any hint of easing geopolitical risk tends to move energy, safe-haven and risk assets alike. The open question is whether this rhetorical softening is followed by concrete terms or a timeline; absent those, the signal carries limited informational weight.