🔗 Share this article

Diplomatic discussions with American, Russian, and Ukrainian delegates are underway in Abu Dhabi this Tuesday, marking the latest phase in efforts to achieve a resolution to conclude the continuing conflict in Ukraine.

High-Level Representatives and Opening Discussions

American military official Dan Driscoll allegedly conferred with a Russian group on the eve of the talks, with negotiations continuing into Tuesday.

“The talks are going well and we remain optimistic. He is working in tight alignment with Washington as discussions unfold,” his spokesperson remarked.

The Ukrainian top intelligence official, the head of military intelligence, was also expected to join in the meetings, though the exact format was uncertain whether direct talks with Moscow’s delegates would take place or if separate one-on-one sessions would be conducted.

Identity of the Moscow team was unconfirmed. “No comment is available. Media accounts are being tracked,” a Russian representative told state media.

Background and Revised Proposal

These talks follow recent discussions in Switzerland where US and Ukrainian officials revised a preliminary US framework for ending the war.

Russia has so far not approved the most recent draft of the proposal and is unlikely to accept many of the Kyiv revisions.

Moscow’s top diplomat, Sergei Lavrov, emphasized that any amended agreement must adhere to the “intent and text” of what was agreed during previous summit meetings between the two nations.

International Reactions and Concerns

EU leaders are reportedly struggling to stay engaged in the negotiations as US representatives drive the efforts.

Finland’s president, a European figure, who has stepped forward as a key interlocutor between the US and EU leaders, commented that the next few days would be critical in efforts to reach a resolution.

He allegedly spoke with Kyiv’s leader and Nato representatives, emphasizing that “The future of Ukraine is for Ukraine to decide, and with European security falling under Europe’s purview.”

At the same time, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, warned against a settlement that would represent a “capitulation” for Ukraine.

“Terms presented suggest what Russia could agree to. Does that mean that it is what must be accepted by the Ukrainians and the Europeans? Certainly not,” he stated.

Specifics of the Original American Plan

The US proposal was reportedly made up of multiple articles and was based on discussions between US and Russian representatives, with input from Ukrainian defense authorities.

Major aspects of the plan reportedly involved:

• Ukraine ceding areas currently held by Russia
• Additional regions that might be expected to be willingly surrendered
• Restrictions on the scale of the military forces
• Amnesty for all parties in the war regarding violations

Recent Events and Continuing Difficulties

The US official reportedly went to Kyiv to inform the Ukrainian president on the proposal and demand quick approval.

This pressure, coupled with the disclosure of the plan, apparently took by surprise Kyiv and EU authorities.

The Ukrainian president reportedly that the country was facing one of the hardest moments in its history and was being forced to decide between “forfeiting self-respect or abandoning a crucial supporter.”

Later, the US official briefed alliance ambassadors on the plan in Kyiv, with one participant describing it as “an extremely difficult session” and stating that European ambassadors were stunned by both the substance and tone of the delivery.

Washington later softened its position, stating that the 28-point proposal was an “starting position for talks” rather than a final ultimatum.

Military Situation Amid Negotiations

As diplomatic talks continue, Russian forces has maintained its regular attacks on Ukraine’s cities.

Moscow’s forces allegedly launched numerous of projectiles and hundreds of drones at targets in and around the capital, as stated by Kyiv reports.

The Ukrainian president emphasized that the Kremlin must not believe it could win the war while negotiations were ongoing.

“What matters most now is that all partners move toward diplomacy together, through joint efforts. Sanctions and pressure on Moscow must yield outcomes,” he stated.

Kyiv’s mayor reported that multiple people had been killed in the overnight attack on the capital.