This report highlights the ongoing efforts between the United States and Russia to address the Ukraine conflict through secret diplomatic talks. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll’s meeting with the Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi is a significant step in the complex process of peace negotiations. The discussions aim to move the peace process forward, with the US-drafted peace plan being a central point of discussion.
The plan, which was discussed in Geneva, requires Ukraine to remain outside NATO, relinquish control over certain territories, and freeze fronts in specific regions. These terms have raised concerns among EU leaders, who were not invited to the Geneva talks. The exclusion of EU leaders from these discussions has led to criticism, as several EU capitals have indicated opposition to the proposed terms, particularly regarding territorial concessions and Ukraine’s NATO aspirations.
Russia has expressed its position regarding the talks, stating that it has received the broad outlines of the US-drafted plan but has not had the opportunity to discuss it in detail. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized the speculation around the plan, calling it an ‘information bacchanalia’ and emphasizing that Moscow does not engage in ‘megaphone diplomacy.’
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov further accused EU politicians of leaking the terms of the plan, suggesting that such actions aim to undermine the discussions. Lavrov emphasized that Russia prefers to proceed with diplomatic negotiations in a confidential manner to protect the initiatives from external interference. This approach reflects Russia’s desire to ensure that the peace process is not hindered by external factors that could jeopardize the talks.
Overall, the situation highlights the delicate balance of diplomacy in the Ukraine conflict, with both sides seeking to advance the peace process while managing the political and strategic implications of their discussions.