High-level peace talks between U.S. and Russian officials over the conflict in Ukraine took place in Abu Dhabi on Monday and Tuesday, signaling Washington’s renewed efforts to broker a cease-fire and outline a potential path toward resolution. The meetings come after recent U.S.–Ukraine discussions in Geneva, which produced a revised 19-point peace framework, condensed from an initial 28-point plan.
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll led the American delegation, bringing experience from the Geneva negotiations and coordinating closely with Ukrainian representatives, who have reportedly expressed conditional acceptance of the revised framework. The delegation in Abu Dhabi also included senior military and intelligence officials, underscoring the talks’ dual focus on diplomacy and security assurances.
The Russian side participated in the meetings to evaluate Washington’s proposed framework and to signal their willingness — at least publicly — to engage in constructive discussions. While details remain limited, U.S. sources describe the atmosphere as “constructive but cautious,” noting that delegations may have met both jointly and in separate bilateral sessions.
The Abu Dhabi talks come amid intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including missile and drone strikes targeting Kyiv’s energy infrastructure. These ongoing hostilities underscore the fragile nature of any diplomatic breakthrough and the high stakes facing negotiators on both sides.
Key issues remain unresolved, particularly regarding territorial control, security guarantees, and Ukraine’s potential alignment with NATO. Sources indicate that the most sensitive topics — including disputed regions and broader regional security arrangements — may ultimately require direct discussions between heads of state.
Despite these challenges, the fact that both parties have engaged in high-level negotiations represents a significant diplomatic step. Ukraine’s conditional acceptance of the revised peace framework signals a willingness to pursue resolution while maintaining key national interests. The U.S., for its part, continues to push for a negotiated settlement that could reduce casualties, stabilize the region, and provide a roadmap for long-term peace.
Observers caution that the talks’ success is far from guaranteed. Any agreement will depend on Moscow’s flexibility, Kyiv’s security requirements, and the ability of negotiators to reconcile complex political, military, and territorial concerns. Yet, the Abu Dhabi meetings highlight the continued role of international diplomacy in one of the most pressing conflicts in Europe since World War II.
As the situation evolves, the world watches closely: whether these discussions in Abu Dhabi will lead to a cease-fire, establish a formal peace process, or falter under ongoing hostilities will have profound implications for Ukraine, Russia, and the broader international community.
Watch video below :
