Consultations regarding US President Donald Trump's peace plan for Ukraine are at their most critical juncture, while a diplomatic thriller unfolds in the background concerning alleged contacts between American and Russian officials in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Western media report that US Secretary of the Army, Daniel Driscoll, will brief Russian officials today, Tuesday 25/11, in Abu Dhabi regarding the modifications made to Trump's original 28-point plan following US-Ukraine consultations in Geneva.
However, Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, did not confirm the existence of behind-the-scenes negotiations, stating that Moscow "does diplomacy and not gossip," while warning that Moscow's approach to the peace plan will change if "the spirit and letter of Anchorage are erased."
In any case, the biggest question mark is Daniel Driscoll, who has been tasked with carrying out the biggest "bet" of the Trump administration—which is none other than the end of the war in Ukraine.
Briefing the Russians
According to Western media, Driscoll had contacts with Russian officials as early as yesterday, Monday 24/11, in Abu Dhabi, and will continue meetings today, 25/11, with the ultimate goal of officially informing the Russian side about the modifications made to President Trump's original plan following the Americans' consultations with the Ukrainians and the Europeans.
It is characteristic that Moscow confirmed—through Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov—that Trump's 28-point plan could form the basis for negotiations to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Peskov even noted that Russia is aware that modifications were made to the original plan, stating that it expects official notification from the US.
The first contact
US Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll reportedly had his first meeting with the Russian delegation on Monday evening, 24/11.
According to CBS, Driscoll reportedly met with a Russian delegation in the United Arab Emirates on November 24, with a new meeting scheduled for November 25. "Driscoll met with members of the Russian delegation on Monday night in Abu Dhabi for several hours. He plans to meet again on Tuesday to discuss the peace process and accelerate the progress of the talks," sources report.
The meeting in Abu Dhabi aims to "lay the groundwork for higher-level interaction in the future," CNN reports. A source for the channel claims that the Russian delegation is working "with the approval of President Vladimir Putin."
No comment
The Kremlin also commented on the possible meeting between the US Secretary of the Army and the Russian delegation: "We have nothing to say so far. We are monitoring media reports and analyzing them," said Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov.
Western media estimate that Driscoll's meeting with the Russian delegation aims to lay the foundation for future, higher-level talks. Russian Duma Deputy Svetlana Zhurova stated that a probable key topic of the meeting will be the presence of NATO forces in Ukraine and that the initiative for the meeting came from the American side.
Lavrov's intervention
For his part, Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, maintained that so far, "no one has officially conveyed anything to Russia."
He said that Moscow expects the American side to provide the plan for resolving the Ukrainian crisis, as it has been formulated and agreed upon with the European and Ukrainian sides, while he commented, regarding the reports of negotiations in Abu Dhabi, that Russia does diplomacy, and not gossip.
"Russia's assessments of the Trump plan for Ukraine remain the same, as it is based on the understandings reached in Anchorage at the Russian-American meeting. The situation will change, however, if the document 'erases the spirit and letter of Anchorage' regarding the fundamental agreements that were recorded," Lavrov pointed out, emphasizing that Russia unofficially received Trump's original 28-point plan.
He claimed that the version of the plan "that the media are speculating about," meaning the modified form of the original plan, Russia has not yet received from the US. "Moscow appreciates Washington's stance, which is taking the initiative for the Ukrainian settlement, and is 'not pressing' the US on the negotiation process regarding Ukraine. We expect that when the United States considers its consultations with the Ukrainian regime and the Europeans complete, they will inform us," Lavrov stressed.
Deliberate leaks
Furthermore, Lavrov also referred to the document leaks, stating that "Russian diplomacy is accustomed to working professionally, without 'leaking' data before official agreements."
"And those who represent diplomacy and politics in Europe do exactly the opposite. Russia, in the context of the Ukrainian settlement, prefers to engage in diplomacy and not gossip. European politicians are engaged in leaks and revelations to undermine the agreements reached in Alaska," Lavrov underlined, emphasizing that Europe had opportunities to participate in resolving the Ukrainian issue, but "failed at all levels" in its actions since 2014.
"The West undermined the progress achieved in Ukraine every time, and now wants to 'distort' the Trump plan and undermine efforts for a settlement," the Russian Foreign Minister claimed.
Consultations with Ukrainians
Beyond the Russians, a Ukrainian delegation is also in Abu Dhabi, led by the head of the Central Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense, Kyrylo Budanov, who is expected to have contacts with US Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll.
"Driscoll was set to meet with Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Central Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense," a source said. Driscoll will present the abbreviated peace plan, which the US and Ukraine agreed upon on November 23 in Geneva. The Ukrainian delegation previously had talks with the US in Geneva.
As ABC News reports, citing an American official, Ukraine agreed to the Donald Trump administration's peace plan, but some details have yet to be finalized.
Zelensky: There is still a lot of work
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky provided an update on the results of the talks with representatives of Washington and stated that he would personally discuss the contentious points of the peace plan with Trump:
"Today our delegation returned from Geneva after talks with the American side and European partners, and now the list of necessary steps for the end of the war can become operational. There is still work that needs to be done collectively to prepare the final document, and it must be done correctly," Zelensky stated. The President noted that the plan no longer includes 28 points and "includes many correct ones."
Reason for the meeting
Driscoll will present the new American plan for resolving the conflict in Ukraine to the Russian delegation, which Washington and Kyiv discussed at the talks in Geneva, writes Politico.
The document was reduced from 28 to approximately 19 points, having changed the requirements for the withdrawal of the Ukrainian armed forces from Donbass "and other sensitive issues concerning Ukrainian territory." It is assumed that these points will be discussed by US President Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in a meeting that, according to high-ranking Ukrainian officials, may take place within the next few days, by the end of November.
Rare meeting
The report states that a "rare meeting between the highest military leaderships of the two countries" will take place in Abu Dhabi, in which Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other American negotiators will not participate. It will likely constitute "the most difficult stage." "We do not know how the situation will develop, but some progress was achieved in Geneva. The road ahead is long, and the Russians, of course, will press," Politico reports, citing an anonymous European official.
Driscoll's role
Beyond the secret meetings in the United Arab Emirates, interest is "centered" on US Secretary of the Army, Daniel Driscoll, who, according to many analysts, is capable of changing the rules of the game, to the benefit of Russia.
The new US special envoy for Ukraine, Driscoll, takes on duties as part of Keith Kellogg's departure. Although there is still no official confirmation of the appointment, Driscoll has already begun executing his duties, visiting Kyiv with a serious military delegation and even planning a trip to Moscow. His appointment is linked to the US's intention to introduce greater clarity to the Ukrainian issue and strengthen diplomatic pressure.
Experienced military officer
Driscoll is an experienced military officer, although in his service he has only served as a reconnaissance platoon commander with three and a half years of service. He is supported by Vice President J. D. Vance, who is trying to prove the effectiveness of his actions and not just his speaking ability. According to experts, his arrival is beneficial to Russia, as it will increase the transparency and clarity of the American position.
The delegation accompanying Driscoll consisted of high-ranking military officers—two four-star generals, including US Army Chief of Staff Randy George and US Army Commander in Europe and Africa Christopher Donahue, as well as the head of a special NATO structure Curtis Buzzard.
According to Russian analyst Sergey Latyshev, Driscoll's mission is to convey strict and clear messages to Kyiv and Moscow, as well as to coordinate military aid.
The new team intends to act decisively
The general will change the rules of the game
"That is why the key message to Ukraine, with the appearance of young Driscoll from Vance's inner circle instead of the more compromising, Russophobic, and personally involved in the Ukrainian file Kellogg, is this: Kyiv must prepare for serious pressure and not for dialogue on the old terms. So that it either tells Donald Trump 'yes,' sincerely fulfilling his demands, or is left 'to swim alone.' Washington wants this issue closed quickly," comments Latyshev.
According to Latyshev, Donald Trump is ready to move to decisive actions on the Ukrainian issue, as the globalists of Europe and the US "hooked" Kyiv on excessive support. Kellogg is no longer necessary because an understanding is being formed with Moscow regarding the ways out of the conflict.
Latyshev stressed that pressure must be exerted primarily on the Ukrainian side quickly and decisively, so as not to allow the Russophobic majority in Congress to promote initiatives that will complicate the foreign and trade policy of the Trump administration and hinder dialogue with Russia.
He will change the rules of the game
Now we must watch how General Driscoll will change the rules of the game. For Ukraine, things will be bad in any case, and it is only a matter of time until the Kyiv regime "breaks."
What does this mean? According to Latyshev, strong forces in the US supported the return of Donald Trump in order to limit the influence of the globalists, to "tame the Deep State," and to focus the country on re-industrialization and the containment of China, while assuming the normalization of relations with Russia. The opponents of this process, including globalists and Russophobes, are trying to prevent developments through the continuation of the Ukrainian war and the involvement of the US.
If Driscoll and Vance manage to help Trump, this will strengthen their position in the administration and open up presidential prospects.
"Will Donald Trump and his vice president succeed in what they planned with the young, impulsive special envoy for Ukraine? Difficult. There are chances, but few. Because Europe presented its own 'peace plan,' the meaning of which is—war until the last Ukrainian," concludes Latyshev.
Trump's original 28-point plan
Trump's 28-point peace plan, which Moscow considers a basis for negotiations, reportedly no longer exists, as it underwent a series of modifications reached by the Americans after talks with Ukrainian and European officials.
Western media refer to a new 19-point plan that leaves critical issues, such as the territorial matter and the issue of Ukraine's NATO membership, to be discussed during the upcoming Trump-Zelensky meeting.
The original plan provided for the following:
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Confirmation of Ukraine's sovereignty. Ukraine will maintain its sovereignty, with full recognition by Russia and international powers.
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Non-aggression agreement. A full non-aggression agreement will be signed between Russia, Ukraine, and Europe, aiming to resolve the outstanding issues of the last 30 years.
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Suspension of Russian expansion and NATO enlargement. Russia agrees not to attack neighboring countries, and NATO will not proceed with further enlargement.
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Russia-NATO dialogue mediated by the US. The US will mediate dialogue between Russia and NATO to address security issues and develop conditions for de-escalation.
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Security Guarantees for Ukraine. Ukraine will receive credible security guarantees, enhancing stability in the region.
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Limitation of the size of the Ukrainian army. The number of the Ukrainian Army (AFU) will be limited to 600,000 soldiers from 1,000,000 and above.
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Acceptance of the plan for Ukraine's non-NATO membership. Ukraine agrees to integrate into its Constitution that it will not join NATO, and NATO agrees to add this decision to its provisions.
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No deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine. NATO agrees not to deploy troops in Ukraine.
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Military resources in Poland. The deployment of European fighter jets in Poland, as part of NATO's strategic forces, will be the main strategy for deterring Russian influence in the region.
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US Guarantees and military reactions. America will guarantee Ukraine's security under strict conditions. If Ukraine attacks Russia, it will lose the guarantee. In the event of a Russian attack, all international sanctions will be reinstated, and the plan's privileges will be canceled.
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Ukraine's right to join the EU. Ukraine will have the right to request membership in the European Union and will have preferential access to the EU market, at least for the duration of its membership consideration.
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Restoration package for Ukraine. The international community, led by the US, will establish a development fund for the restoration of Ukraine, with investments in technology industries, infrastructure, and natural resources.
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Russia's reintegration into the global economy. Russia will be reintegrated into the global economy with the gradual lifting of sanctions and the development of long-term cooperation agreements with the US and the EU in the fields of energy, technology, and natural resources.
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Use of frozen Russian assets. The $100 billion in frozen Russian funds will be used for the restoration of Ukraine, with half of the yield going to the US and the EU.
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US-Russia working group on security. A joint US-Russia working group will be established to monitor the agreement and the implementation of the agreed terms.
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Russia's legal commitment to non-aggression. Russia will legislate the policy of non-aggression against Europe and Ukraine.
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Treaties for nuclear arms reduction. The US and Russia will extend nuclear non-proliferation treaties, including the START agreements.
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Ukraine and non-nuclear weapons agreement. Ukraine agrees to remain a non-nuclear weapon state, in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
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Operation of the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant. The Zaporizhia nuclear power plant will be placed under the supervision of the IAEA, with energy production shared equally between Russia and Ukraine.
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Education and anti-racism. The two countries will integrate educational programs to cultivate understanding and tolerance among cultures and will reject all forms of Nazi ideology and discrimination.
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Territorial issues. Crimea, Lugansk, and Donetsk will be recognized as de facto Russian territories. Ukraine agrees to withdraw its forces from the Donetsk region, and this area will become a neutral, demilitarized zone.
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Guarantees for territorial integrity. After agreement on the territorial issues, neither side will use force to change these agreements.
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Ensuring the free use of the Dnieper. Russia will not prevent Ukraine from using the Dnieper River for commercial activities, and agreements will be reached for the free transport of grain through the Black Sea.
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Humanitarian committee for resolving open issues. An international humanitarian committee will be created to resolve the humanitarian issues arising from the conflict. This committee will deal with the exchange of prisoners and the transfer of victims' bodies, according to the "all for all" principle. Initiatives will also be undertaken for the return of all citizens and hostages, including children, and for the reunification of families separated by the war.
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Conducting elections in Ukraine. Ukraine will conduct elections within 100 days of signing the agreement, aiming to restore political stability and ensure the government's democratic legitimacy.
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General amnesty for all involved in the conflict. All parties involved in the conflict will receive a full amnesty for their actions during the war. All involved agree not to file claims or resort to justice for the events that took place during the hostilities. This measure aims to facilitate reconciliation and prevent future tensions.
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Legal commitment and monitoring of the Agreement. This agreement will be legally binding and continuously monitored for compliance. Its implementation will be overseen by an international Peace Commission, led by US President Donald Trump. In the event that any party violates the terms of the agreement, severe sanctions and other consequences will be imposed in accordance with international law.
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Immediate implementation of the ceasefire and withdrawal of forces. Immediately after the acceptance of the agreement by all parties involved, a ceasefire will be implemented, provided that both sides withdraw their troops from the agreed positions. The ceasefire will take effect immediately once the parties withdraw from the territories and agreements are deposited for the implementation of the terms of the peace agreement.
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