US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll engaged in discussions with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi as part of an intensified diplomatic effort by President Donald Trump to negotiate a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The dialogue comes at a critical time, with Kyiv facing a severe missile attack that resulted in at least six fatalities and significant disruptions to power and heating systems.
The negotiations, which took place late Monday and continued throughout Tuesday, aim to bridge the widening gap between US and Ukrainian officials regarding a proposed peace plan. Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Tolbert, a spokesperson for Driscoll, indicated that discussions had been productive, stating, “The talks are going well and we remain optimistic.” The specific agenda of the talks has not been disclosed, nor has the identity of the Russian delegation been confirmed.
As the United States pushes for a resolution, Secretary Driscoll is expected to meet with Ukrainian representatives during his visit. This follows a tumultuous period for Ukraine, highlighted by recent missile strikes that sent residents into underground shelters, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation.
The US’s approach to the conflict has fluctuated significantly in recent months. A hastily arranged summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in August 2023 raised concerns in Kyiv and among European allies about potential concessions to Russia. The latest proposal, a comprehensive 28-point plan, has caught many off guard and has intensified fears that the US might encourage Ukraine to accept terms heavily favoring Moscow, including territorial concessions and military restrictions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy faces mounting pressure as the political landscape shifts. Following a corruption scandal that led to the dismissal of two ministers, Zelenskiy finds himself at a vulnerable juncture in negotiations. He expressed cautious optimism regarding the latest peace proposal, describing it as having “correct” points but indicating that “sensitive issues” would need to be discussed further with Trump.
The ongoing Russian offensive complicates the peace process. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized that any revised peace plan must align with the agreements reached during the Alaska summit. The coalition of nations supporting Ukraine, known as the “coalition of the willing,” which includes Britain and France, is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting to assess the situation.
French President Emmanuel Macron commented on the US proposal, stating, “It’s an initiative that goes in the right direction: peace. However, there are aspects of that plan that deserve to be discussed, negotiated, improved.” His remarks underscore the delicate balance between pursuing peace and maintaining Ukraine’s sovereignty.
As the situation evolves, skepticism lingers regarding the feasibility of achieving lasting peace in Ukraine. The resilience of Ukrainians, coupled with their apprehension about potential compromises, will play a pivotal role in the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
