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High-level negotiations with US, Moscow, and Kyiv representatives commenced in Abu Dhabi this Tuesday, marking the most recent phase in initiatives to forge a peace agreement to conclude the ongoing war in the region.

Key Delegates and Initial Talks

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

“Discussions are progressing positively and we maintain hope. The Secretary remains in close coordination with the administration throughout these proceedings,” his spokesperson remarked.

Ukraine’s top intelligence official, the head of military intelligence, was scheduled to join in the proceedings, though it remained unclear whether face-to-face talks with Russian delegates would happen or if separate one-on-one meetings would be held.

Identity of the Moscow team was not immediately clear. “We cannot provide details. Our position is to monitor press coverage,” a Russian representative told official outlets.

Background and Updated Peace Plan

The current meetings come after prior negotiations in Switzerland where US and Ukrainian representatives modified a preliminary US proposal for resolving the war.

Moscow has so far not approved the latest version of the plan and is not expected to agree to many of the Kyiv revisions.

Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, emphasized that any revised peace plan must adhere to the “spirit and letter” of what was discussed during previous high-level talks between both countries.

International Responses and Apprehensions

EU officials are reportedly finding it difficult to stay engaged in the negotiations as American representatives drive the efforts.

Finland’s leader, a European figure, who has stepped forward as a primary mediator between Washington and European officials, stated that the coming days would be crucial in efforts to reach a agreement.

He reportedly held discussions with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the alliance officials, emphasizing that “Ukraine’s destiny must be determined by Ukrainians, and with European security falling under Europe’s purview.”

At the same time, the France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, warned against a agreement that would amount to a “surrender” for the nation.

“What was put on the table gives us an idea of what would be acceptable for the Russians. Does that mean that it is what must be accepted by the Ukrainians and the Europeans? Certainly not,” he affirmed.

Specifics of the Initial American Proposal

The US plan was reportedly composed of 28 points and was based on discussions between American and Russian representatives, with input from Kyiv defense officials.

Major elements of the proposal reportedly involved:

• The nation surrendering areas currently occupied by Moscow
• Further regions that might be required to be voluntarily surrendered
• Restrictions on the size of the military forces
• Amnesty for all sides in the war regarding violations

Latest Events and Continuing Challenges

The US official allegedly went to the Ukrainian capital to brief the Ukrainian president on the proposal and urge quick approval.

This demand, combined with the leaking of the plan, reportedly shocked Ukrainian and European authorities.

Zelenskyy stated that the country was facing one of the most difficult moments in its history and was being compelled to choose between “losing our dignity or losing a key ally.”

Later, Driscoll briefed Nato representatives on the plan in the capital, with one participant labeling it as “a disastrous gathering” and stating that EU ambassadors were stunned by both the content and tone of the presentation.

The US administration later softened its position, indicating that the comprehensive plan was an “initial basis for negotiation” rather than a definitive demand.

Military Situation Amid Talks

While peace talks proceed, Moscow has continued its regular strikes on Ukrainian urban centers.

Russian forces reportedly launched numerous of missiles and many of unmanned aircraft at targets in and around Kyiv, according to Kyiv reports.

Zelenskyy stressed that Moscow must not feel it could win the conflict while negotiations were ongoing.

“Crucially, all allies must advance toward diplomacy collectively, with unified action. Pressure on Russia must deliver results,” he stated.

Kyiv’s mayor reported that multiple people had been killed in the recent attack on the city.