🔗 Share this article

Diplomatic talks with American, Moscow, and Kyiv delegates are underway in Abu Dhabi this week, representing the most recent phase in efforts to forge a peace agreement to resolve the protracted hostilities in the region.

High-Level Delegates and Initial Talks

American military official Dan Driscoll apparently held talks with a Moscow group on the eve of the talks, with negotiations continuing into Tuesday.

“Negotiations are advancing smoothly with continued optimism. The Secretary remains in close coordination with the administration throughout these proceedings,” his spokesperson commented.

Ukraine’s top intelligence official, Kyrylo Budanov, was also expected to take part in the discussions, though the exact format was uncertain whether face-to-face engagement with Moscow’s delegates would happen or if separate bilateral sessions would be held.

Identity of the Russian team was uncertain. “We cannot provide details. Media accounts are being tracked,” a Russian spokesperson informed official outlets.

Context and Revised Proposal

These meetings follow recent discussions in Switzerland where US and Ukrainian officials reworked a draft American proposal for ending the conflict.

Russia has not yet approved the most recent draft of the plan and is unlikely to accept many of the Kyiv amendments.

Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, stated that any modified agreement must reflect the “spirit and letter” of what was agreed during earlier summit talks between both countries.

International Reactions and Apprehensions

EU officials are apparently struggling to remain involved in the process as American representatives assume control.

The Finnish president, Alexander Stubb, who has stepped forward as a primary interlocutor between Washington and European officials, commented that the immediate future would be critical in attempts to find a resolution.

He reportedly held discussions with Kyiv’s leader and Nato officials, emphasizing that “Decisions about Ukraine’s future rest with its people, and with European security falling under Europe’s purview.”

At the same time, the French president, the French official, cautioned against a agreement that would amount to a “surrender” for Ukraine.

“Terms presented suggest what Russia could agree to. However, must Kyiv and European nations consent to these terms? Absolutely not,” he affirmed.

Details of the Initial US Plan

American proposal was originally composed of multiple articles and was based on dialog between American and Moscow representatives, with input from Kyiv defense authorities.

Key aspects of the plan allegedly involved:

• The nation surrendering areas presently occupied by Russia
• Further zones that would be expected to be willingly surrendered
• Limits on the scale of the military forces
• Immunity for all sides in the war regarding war crimes

Recent Developments and Continuing Challenges

The US representative allegedly went to Kyiv to update the Ukrainian president on the plan and demand rapid approval.

The pressure, coupled with the leaking of the proposal, reportedly shocked Kyiv and EU authorities.

Zelenskyy reportedly that the nation was facing one of the most difficult periods in its history and was being forced to choose between “surrendering honor or sacrificing a vital partner.”

Later, the US official briefed alliance ambassadors on the proposal in the capital, with one attendee labeling it as “a disastrous gathering” and stating that European officials were shocked by both the substance and tone of the delivery.

Washington later softened its stance, indicating that the comprehensive proposal was an “starting position for talks” rather than a definitive demand.

Military Developments During Talks

While peace talks continue, Moscow has maintained its nightly strikes on Ukrainian urban centers.

Russian forces reportedly fired dozens of projectiles and many of unmanned aircraft at objectives in and around the capital, as stated by Ukrainian reports.

Zelenskyy stressed that the Kremlin must not believe it could prevail in the conflict while talks were underway.

“The priority is coordinated diplomatic movement among all partners, through shared endeavors. Pressure on Russia must deliver results,” he affirmed.

Kyiv’s leader confirmed that seven people had been killed in the overnight assault on the city.