US holds secret meetings with Russians in Abu Dhabi on Ukraine

United States Army Secretary Dan Driscoll recently engaged in secret talks with a Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi, following up on discussions with Ukraine in Geneva over the weekend. These talks are part of the U.S. government’s efforts to advance the peace process in Ukraine.

Driscoll’s meeting with the Russian delegation on Monday was a continuation of the dialogue that began in Geneva. The specifics of the Russian officials involved in the delegation were not disclosed. The talks in Abu Dhabi signal progress in the U.S.’s initiative to restart peace negotiations in Ukraine.

During the Geneva talks, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Army Secretary Driscoll represented the U.S. delegation. A 28-point peace plan presented to Ukraine was revised to a 19-point plan, omitting points related to amnesty for war acts and limitations on Ukraine’s military size.

Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy stated that further work is needed on the revised peace plan. Russian officials expressed a lack of information on the Geneva discussions and subsequent revisions. Following the Geneva talks, Rubio returned to the U.S. while Driscoll proceeded to Abu Dhabi for the secret meeting with the Russian delegation.

Driscoll’s involvement in diplomatic efforts stems from discussions between President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. While it is unconventional for a military service secretary to partake in diplomatic endeavors, it may signal strength to both Russia and Ukraine. Before heading to Ukraine, Driscoll conferred with Rubio and Witkoff, with additional briefings in Germany.

Accompanying Driscoll on his Ukraine trip were high-ranking military officials, including Gen. Randy George, Gen. Chris Donahue, Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer, and Lt. Gen. Curtis Buzzard. These officers were not part of the Geneva talks or the recent discussions with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi.

The ongoing efforts by the U.S. government, with Driscoll playing a pivotal role, underscore the commitment to resolving the conflict in Ukraine and fostering peace in the region.