U.S. Army Secretary Driscoll Engages Russian Officials in UAE Talks
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is meeting with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi, as part of ongoing efforts to advance peace negotiations regarding the nearly four-year-long conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Two U.S. officials and diplomatic sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Driscoll’s discussions began on Monday night and are set to continue throughout Tuesday.
These meetings are taking place against the backdrop of an intensified push by President Donald Trump to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing war. U.S. officials have been actively engaging with envoys from both Russia and Ukraine, aiming to catalyze progress in the peace process.
Details of the Meeting
Driscoll’s discussions with the Russian delegation, which lasted several hours, focus on moving the peace negotiations forward. While the full U.S. delegation accompanying Driscoll has not been disclosed, it is known that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, participated in discussions over the weekend in Geneva, Switzerland. These talks also involved diplomats from Ukraine and various European allies.
Driscoll’s current meetings follow his recent visit to the capital of Ukraine, Kiev, where he engaged with local officials. Uncertainties remain about how close the two sides are to reaching a definitive agreement.
Framework for Peace
Last week, CBS News acquired a draft of a proposal backed by the Trump administration. The plan includes several contentious provisions that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously rejected, such as territorial concessions and an end to Ukraine’s pursuit of NATO membership.
In response to these developments, a coalition of NATO members and other U.S. allies released a joint statement on Saturday, describing the proposal as “a basis which will require additional work.” Additionally, the White House announced on Sunday night that U.S. and Ukrainian officials have “drafted an updated and refined peace framework” following the Geneva discussions.
President Trump has urged Zelenskyy to finalize a peace deal by Thanksgiving, though Rubio clarified that this deadline is subject to flexibility. As the situation unfolds, the international community remains watchful for further updates on the peace negotiations.
