Ukraine and Russia held direct talks in Abu Dhabi

Ukrainian and Russian delegations hold direct talks in Abu Dhabi

The Ukrainian delegation, headed by the chief of the Kirill Budanov is holding a series of closed-door talks with the US and Russian sides in the UAE capital. This is the first time in recent months that Ukrainian and Russian representatives have engaged in direct dialogue in the presence of the United States. This was reported by Axios.

The Russian delegation, according to media reports, is also headed by the head of an intelligence agency, but his name has not been disclosed.

An unexpected change in the agenda

According to Axios, the meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations was scheduled in advance and was about a different topic. However, the unexpected visit of the US Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll to Abu Dhabi changed the course of events and influenced the agenda.

Driscoll's spokesman Jeff Tolbert confirmed that the US Secretary is holding talks with the Russian delegation:
«The negotiations are progressing well and we remain optimistic.».

An updated peace plan

According to the information Financial Times, direct talks between the US and Russia on a peace plan started the night before. The US side presented Moscow with an updated version of the proposals, which had been finalised after consultations in Geneva.

The Ukrainian delegation has also read the updated clauses, but their content has not yet been disclosed.

Context.

After a series of meetings with its European partners, Washington has stepped up its diplomatic efforts to speed up the agreement on the basic parameters of a potential deal.
Ukraine states that it is ready to consider proposals that do not violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity.