High-level discussions with US, Moscow, and Ukrainian delegates are underway in the United Arab Emirates this Tuesday, representing the latest phase in attempts to achieve a ceasefire deal to end the protracted hostilities in the region.
American military official the US representative apparently met with a Russian team on the eve of the talks, with negotiations extending into Tuesday.
“Negotiations are advancing smoothly with continued optimism. Secretary Driscoll is closely synchronised with the White House ... as these talks progress,” his spokesperson stated.
Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, was anticipated to join in the meetings, though it remained unclear whether direct engagement with Moscow’s delegates would happen or if distinct bilateral sessions would be held.
Identity of the Russian delegation was uncertain. “No comment is available. Our position is to monitor press coverage,” a Russian spokesperson informed official outlets.
These talks come after prior discussions in Switzerland where American and Kyiv officials modified a draft American framework for resolving the conflict.
Moscow has so far not approved the most recent version of the proposal and is not expected to accept many of the Ukrainian amendments.
Moscow’s top diplomat, Sergei Lavrov, declared that any modified agreement must embody the “essence and wording” of what was discussed during earlier high-level meetings between the two countries.
European leaders are reportedly struggling to stay engaged in the process as American representatives drive the efforts.
The Finnish president, Alexander Stubb, who has emerged as a primary contact between Washington and EU officials, commented that the immediate future would be critical in efforts to secure a resolution.
He reportedly held discussions with Kyiv’s leader and Nato representatives, stating that “Decisions about Ukraine’s future rest with its people, and while European security matters are for Europe to resolve.”
Meanwhile, the French president, the French official, cautioned against a peace deal that would represent a “surrender” for Ukraine.
“What was put on the table gives us an idea of what would be acceptable for the Russians. However, must Kyiv and European nations consent to these terms? The answer is no,” he stated.
American proposal was originally made up of 28 points and was drawn from dialog between US and Moscow representatives, with contributions from Ukrainian defense authorities.
Major elements of the proposal allegedly involved:
The US representative allegedly went to Kyiv to inform the Ukrainian president on the plan and press quick acceptance.
The pressure, coupled with the leaking of the proposal, apparently took by surprise Ukrainian and European officials.
Zelenskyy stated that the country was facing one of the toughest periods in its history and was being compelled to decide between “forfeiting self-respect or abandoning a crucial supporter.”
Later, the US official briefed Nato ambassadors on the plan in Kyiv, with one participant labeling it as “a nightmare meeting” and stating that EU ambassadors were shocked by both the content and tone of the delivery.
The US administration later softened its stance, stating that the comprehensive plan was an “opening point for discussion” rather than a final ultimatum.
While diplomatic talks proceed, Russian forces has continued its regular strikes on Ukraine’s cities.
Moscow’s forces allegedly fired dozens of projectiles and hundreds of drones at targets in and around the capital, according to Ukrainian reports.
Zelenskyy emphasized that the Kremlin must not feel it could prevail in the war while negotiations were underway.
“What matters most now is that all partners move toward diplomacy together, through joint efforts. Measures against Russia need to produce tangible effects,” he stated.
The capital’s mayor reported that multiple people had been fatally injured in the overnight assault on the capital.
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