Secret Abu Dhabi Talks: US Army Secretary Meets Russian Officials Amid Push for Ukraine Peace Deal

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll held undisclosed talks with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi as part of President Donald Trump’s intensified push to secure an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, with additional meetings expected on Tuesday, according to Reuters on November 25.

The discussions took place as US and Ukrainian negotiators continued efforts to close remaining gaps over a proposed peace plan. Key issues remain unresolved, and Kyiv is increasingly cautious about being pressured into accepting terms that align largely with the Kremlin’s interests.

A US official confirmed the Abu Dhabi meeting to Reuters but did not provide details about its content or identify the Russian participants. The official said Driscoll—who has become a central figure in Washington’s diplomatic outreach—was also expected to meet with Ukrainian representatives while in the UAE.

The talks come against the backdrop of heightened stakes for Ukraine, as Kyiv endured a massive overnight assault. Russia struck Kyiv in the early hours of November 25 with a coordinated mix of Kalibr cruise missiles, Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, and Shahed attack drones, setting multiple residential buildings ablaze and killing at least six people. Thirteen others, including children, were wounded in the assault, according to emergency services.

Meanwhile, the US peace proposal aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine has been significantly trimmed down following negotiations in Geneva.

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According to the Financial Times on November 24, unnamed sources said the plan has been reduced from 28 points to 19, cutting nearly one-third of its original provisions. The sources did not clarify which points were removed. However, ahead of the Geneva talks between Ukrainian and US officials, European leaders expressed reservations about several aspects of the proposal—especially those concerning sanctions on Moscow and the future of frozen Russian assets—emphasizing that these issues fall under the European Union’s authority.

Earlier, Ukraine’s parliamentary speaker, Ruslan Stefanchuk, said Kyiv is prepared for genuine peace negotiations with Russia but underscored firm red lines. Speaking at the opening of a parliamentary summit in Sweden, he stated that Ukraine will not legally recognize any occupied territories and will accept no restrictions on its ability to defend itself.

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