Diplomatic negotiations with American, Russian, and Kyiv delegates began in Abu Dhabi this week, representing the most recent phase in initiatives to broker a resolution to resolve the continuing hostilities in the region.
American military Secretary the US representative apparently held talks with a Russian team on Monday night, with discussions proceeding into the following day.
“The talks are going well and we remain optimistic. Secretary Driscoll is closely synchronised with the White House ... as these talks progress,” his spokesperson stated.
Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, was scheduled to participate in the meetings, though details were vague whether direct talks with Moscow’s representatives would happen or if separate bilateral meetings would be conducted.
The composition of the Moscow delegation was unconfirmed. “We cannot provide details. Our position is to monitor press coverage,” a Kremlin representative informed official outlets.
The current meetings follow recent negotiations in Switzerland where US and Ukrainian representatives reworked a preliminary US framework for ending the conflict.
Russia has not yet accepted the latest iteration of the plan and is unlikely to accept many of the Kyiv revisions.
Moscow’s top diplomat, Sergei Lavrov, stated that any revised agreement must reflect the “intent and text” of what was agreed during previous summit meetings between both countries.
EU officials are apparently struggling to stay engaged in the negotiations as US officials assume control.
The Finnish leader, a European figure, who has emerged as a key interlocutor between Washington and EU leaders, commented that the next few days would be critical in attempts to secure a resolution.
He allegedly held discussions with Kyiv’s leader and the alliance officials, emphasizing that “Ukraine’s destiny must be determined by Ukrainians, and while European security matters are for Europe to resolve.”
Meanwhile, the France’s leader, Emmanuel Macron, cautioned against a settlement that would amount to a “capitulation” for the nation.
“The current proposal indicates what Moscow might find acceptable. Does that mean that it is what must be accepted by the Ukrainians and the Europeans? The answer is no,” he declared.
The US plan was originally composed of 28 points and was based on dialog between US and Moscow officials, with input from Kyiv security officials.
Major elements of the plan reportedly involved:
The US representative allegedly traveled to Kyiv to update Zelenskyy on the proposal and press quick acceptance.
This pressure, combined with the leaking of the plan, reportedly shocked Kyiv and EU officials.
Zelenskyy reportedly that the country was facing one of the most difficult periods in its history and was being forced to decide between “losing our dignity or losing a key ally.”
Subsequently, Driscoll briefed alliance ambassadors on the proposal in Kyiv, with one attendee describing it as “an extremely difficult session” and noting that European ambassadors were shocked by both the substance and manner of the delivery.
Washington later softened its position, indicating that the 28-point proposal was an “starting position for talks” rather than a definitive demand.
While peace efforts continue, Moscow has maintained its regular strikes on Ukrainian urban centers.
Russian forces reportedly launched numerous of projectiles and many of drones at objectives in and around Kyiv, as stated by Ukrainian reports.
Zelenskyy stressed that the Kremlin must not believe it could prevail in the conflict while talks were ongoing.
“Crucially, all allies must advance toward diplomacy collectively, with unified action. Sanctions and pressure on Moscow must yield outcomes,” he stated.
Kyiv’s mayor reported that multiple people had been killed in the recent assault on the city.
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