Ukraine has agreed to a peace deal that would end its war with Russia, confirmed by a U.S. official. The agreement, which has reached a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict, was reached in a series of diplomatic talks in Abu Dhabi and Geneva. While the core terms of the deal have been finalized, some minor details are yet to be resolved, according to the official. The discussions were facilitated by U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and his team, who met with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi, with Ukrainian representatives also present. The talks were part of a broader effort to bring about a comprehensive and lasting peace to the region.
The developments came in the wake of a major Russian attack on Kyiv, which resulted in at least six fatalities and 13 injuries. The strikes on residential areas and civilian infrastructure raised concerns about the ongoing conflict’s toll on the civilian population. Meanwhile, the diplomatic process continued, with the U.S. and Ukrainian officials working closely to finalize the peace deal. The agreement is seen as a significant step toward ending the nearly four-year war, which has caused extensive damage and loss of life on both sides. Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council secretary, noted that the Geneva meetings were instrumental in reaching the deal, and that the country now looks forward to President Zelenskyy’s visit to the United States to finalize the terms of the agreement.
Despite the progress made in the negotiations, some European leaders expressed wariness about the U.S. approach to the peace talks, indicating that additional efforts may be needed to build consensus among all parties involved. The proposed peace plan, which was initially leaked to Axios, has been subject to criticism from some U.S. lawmakers and European officials, who viewed it as potentially favorable to Russia. However, the revised plan, which incorporates input from Ukrainian and European officials, has been hailed as a more balanced and fair proposal. The U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s initial proposal was criticized as being too lenient toward Russia, leading to the development of a new version with the involvement of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The revised proposal is viewed as a more viable path toward a lasting peace, as it aims to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while addressing the concerns of all parties involved.
The upcoming visit of President Zelenskyy to the United States is expected to play a crucial role in finalizing the peace deal. During his visit, Zelenskyy will have the opportunity to engage directly with President Trump and other officials to secure the final terms of the agreement. The success of this visit could have a significant impact on the future of Ukraine-Russia relations and the broader geopolitical landscape. Meanwhile, the continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory underscore the urgency of reaching a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The situation remains extremely delicate, with both sides facing immense pressure to find a lasting solution to the war that has already caused widespread suffering and devastation.