Russian and Ukrainian representatives held undisclosed talks in Abu Dhabi this week, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, marking the first confirmed high-level contact between the two sides since U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a revised 28-point peace proposal last week. The discussions focused on sensitive humanitarian issues including prisoner exchanges, though both parties avoided direct engagement with Washington's latest diplomatic blueprint.
U.S. Involvement Adds Complexity
While Russian officials characterized their encounter with U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll as unplanned, the surprise meeting underscores the Trump administration's active role in mediating the conflict. A modified version of the American peace plan – adjusted after consultations with European and Ukrainian stakeholders – now awaits detailed review by Moscow's security experts.
Path Forward Remains Uncertain
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's administration has tentatively endorsed the framework but insists critical security guarantees must be finalized through direct talks with Trump. Meanwhile, the Kremlin maintains that several provisions in the U.S. proposal require "truly serious analysis" before any commitments can be made, particularly regarding territorial disputes and military de-escalation measures.
