High-level talks involving US, Russian, and Ukrainian delegates began in Abu Dhabi this Tuesday, marking the most recent stage in initiatives to forge a ceasefire deal to resolve the ongoing hostilities in the region.
US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll reportedly met with a Russian group on the eve of the talks, with dialog proceeding into the following day.
“Discussions are progressing positively and we maintain hope. The Secretary remains in close coordination with the administration throughout these proceedings,” an official representative commented.
Ukraine’s top intelligence official, the head of military intelligence, was scheduled to participate in the proceedings, though details were vague whether face-to-face talks with Russian delegates would happen or if distinct one-on-one meetings would be held.
The composition of the Moscow delegation was unconfirmed. “No comment is available. We are following the media reports,” a Russian representative informed state media.
These meetings follow prior discussions in a European nation where American and Kyiv representatives revised a draft US framework for ending the war.
Moscow has not yet approved the most recent iteration of the plan and is not expected to agree to many of the Ukrainian revisions.
Moscow’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, declared that any modified peace plan must reflect the “intent and text” of what was agreed during earlier high-level meetings between both nations.
European leaders are reportedly struggling to stay engaged in the negotiations as American officials drive the efforts.
The Finnish president, Alexander Stubb, who has emerged as a key interlocutor between Washington and EU officials, commented that the next few days would be critical in efforts to secure a agreement.
He allegedly spoke with Kyiv’s leader and the alliance representatives, emphasizing that “Decisions about Ukraine’s future rest with its people, and European security is for Europe to decide.”
Meanwhile, the France’s president, the French official, cautioned against a peace deal that would represent a “concession” for the nation.
“The current proposal indicates what Moscow might find acceptable. But does this imply it should be endorsed by Ukraine and Europe? The answer is no,” he affirmed.
The US plan was originally made up of numerous clauses and was drawn from discussions between US and Russian officials, with input from Kyiv defense authorities.
Key elements of the proposal allegedly included:
The US representative reportedly went to Kyiv to brief Zelenskyy on the proposal and demand quick acceptance.
This pressure, coupled with the leaking of the plan, apparently shocked Kyiv and EU officials.
The Ukrainian president stated that the country was facing one of the toughest periods in its history and was being compelled to choose between “forfeiting self-respect or abandoning a crucial supporter.”
Later, the US official informed alliance ambassadors on the plan in the capital, with one attendee describing it as “a nightmare meeting” and noting that EU ambassadors were stunned by both the substance and manner of the presentation.
Washington later moderated its position, stating that the comprehensive proposal was an “opening point for discussion” rather than a final ultimatum.
As diplomatic talks continue, Moscow has continued its nightly strikes on Ukrainian cities.
Russian forces allegedly launched numerous of missiles and hundreds of unmanned aircraft at objectives in and around Kyiv, as stated by Ukrainian sources.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Moscow must not believe it could win the war while talks were ongoing.
“The priority is coordinated diplomatic movement among all partners, through shared endeavors. Pressure on Russia must deliver results,” he stated.
Kyiv’s leader confirmed that multiple people had been killed in the recent attack on the city.
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