Recent negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian delegations held in Abu Dhabi have taken a turn, with the Ukrainian intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, conducting direct talks not only with American officials but also with their Russian counterparts. Initially planned to discuss an unrelated topic, these discussions were reshaped by the unexpected arrival of U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.
Driscoll, reportedly engaged in discussions regarding a revised peace plan previously agreed upon by American and Ukrainian representatives, emphasized the ongoing good progress of negotiations. The U.S. Secretary collaborates closely with the White House and inter-agency structures regarding these talks, as mentioned by his spokesperson, Jeff Tolbert.
The American peace project, initially consisting of 28 points, was subsequently trimmed down to 19 following consultations in Switzerland. Notably, provisions concerning the limitation of the Ukrainian army size and amnesty for Russia regarding war crimes were excluded from the revised document. Additionally, territorial matters were highlighted as needing to be addressed directly between the presidents of Ukraine and the U.S., reversing previous proposals to concede the entire Donbas region to Russians.
Conversations are underway about ensuring Ukrainian security guarantees are robust, as underscored by a source from Axios. The potential for a meeting between President Zelensky and President Trump is also prioritized, with hopes to finalize terms for ending the war, despite ongoing disagreements, primarily related to territorial issues.
In the background of these discussions, there is increasing concern within Trump’s administration that the updated peace plan could face rejection from President Putin, highlighting the complex dynamics inherent in this geopolitical landscape.
