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Diplomatic discussions including American, Russian, and Kyiv representatives began in Abu Dhabi this Tuesday, marking the most recent phase in efforts to broker a peace agreement to end the continuing conflict in Ukraine.

Key Delegates and Opening Discussions

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll allegedly conferred with a Russian delegation on Monday night, with discussions proceeding into Tuesday.

“The talks are going well and we remain optimistic. Secretary Driscoll is closely synchronised with the White House ... as these talks progress,” an official representative commented.

Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, the head of military intelligence, was also expected to join in the meetings, though it remained unclear whether direct talks with Moscow’s delegates would happen or if distinct bilateral meetings would be held.

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

Context and Updated Peace Plan

The current talks come after recent discussions in Switzerland where US and Ukrainian officials modified a draft American proposal for resolving the war.

Russia has not yet endorsed the latest draft of the plan and is not expected to agree to many of the Kyiv revisions.

Moscow’s top diplomat, the Russian diplomat, declared that any revised agreement must embody the “spirit and letter” of what was discussed during earlier high-level talks between the two nations.

International Responses and Concerns

EU officials are apparently struggling to stay engaged in the process as American representatives assume control.

The Finnish leader, Alexander Stubb, who has emerged as a key interlocutor between Washington and European leaders, commented that the coming days would be decisive in efforts to find a peace settlement.

He reportedly held discussions with the Ukrainian president and Nato representatives, stating that “The future of Ukraine is for Ukraine to decide, and with European security falling under Europe’s purview.”

At the same time, the France’s leader, Emmanuel Macron, warned against a peace deal that would represent a “surrender” for Ukraine.

“The current proposal indicates what Moscow might find acceptable. But does this imply it should be endorsed by Ukraine and Europe? Absolutely not,” he declared.

Details of the Original US Plan

American proposal was reportedly composed of 28 points and was drawn from discussions between US and Moscow representatives, with input from Ukrainian defense authorities.

Major elements of the proposal reportedly included:

• Ukraine ceding areas currently occupied by Moscow
• Additional regions that would be expected to be voluntarily given up
• Limits on the size of the Ukrainian army
• Immunity for all sides in the conflict regarding violations

Recent Developments and Ongoing Difficulties

American representative allegedly went to Kyiv to update the Ukrainian president on the proposal and press rapid acceptance.

This demand, combined with the disclosure of the plan, reportedly took by surprise Ukrainian and European authorities.

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

Later, the US official informed Nato ambassadors on the plan in Kyiv, with one attendee labeling it as “an extremely difficult session” and stating that European officials were stunned by both the substance and manner of the presentation.

Washington later moderated its position, stating that the comprehensive plan was an “initial basis for negotiation” rather than a final demand.

Military Situation Amid Negotiations

While peace talks proceed, Moscow has maintained its nightly strikes on Ukraine’s cities.

Russian forces reportedly fired numerous of projectiles and hundreds of drones at targets in and around Kyiv, according to Kyiv reports.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Moscow must not feel it could prevail in the war while negotiations were ongoing.

“Crucially, all allies must advance toward diplomacy collectively, with unified action. Measures against Russia need to produce tangible effects,” he stated.

The capital’s leader confirmed that multiple people had been killed in the overnight assault on the city.