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Diplomatic talks involving US, Moscow, and Kyiv delegates began in the United Arab Emirates this Tuesday, representing the latest stage in initiatives to achieve a resolution to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.

High-Level Representatives and Initial Talks

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll apparently held talks with a Moscow team on the eve of the talks, with discussions extending into Tuesday.

“Discussions are progressing positively and we maintain hope. Secretary Driscoll is closely synchronised with the White House ... as these talks progress,” an official representative stated.

Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, the head of military intelligence, was anticipated to take part in the meetings, though it remained unclear whether face-to-face engagement with Moscow’s representatives would take place or if separate bilateral meetings would be held.

Identity of the Russian group was unconfirmed. “I have nothing to say. We are following the media reports,” a Kremlin representative told state media.

Context and Revised Proposal

These meetings follow recent negotiations in Switzerland where American and Kyiv officials modified a draft American proposal for resolving the war.

Russia has so far not accepted the most recent iteration of the plan and is not expected to accept many of the Kyiv changes.

Moscow’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, emphasized that any modified peace plan must reflect the “spirit and letter” of what was agreed during previous high-level talks between both nations.

Global Reactions and Apprehensions

European officials are apparently struggling to remain involved in the process as American officials take the lead.

The Finnish leader, Alexander Stubb, who has emerged as a primary contact between the US and European officials, stated that the coming days would be critical in attempts to secure a resolution.

He allegedly spoke with the Ukrainian president and the alliance representatives, emphasizing that “Decisions about Ukraine’s future rest with its people, and European security is for Europe to decide.”

Meanwhile, the France’s leader, the French official, cautioned against a agreement that would amount to a “surrender” for the nation.

“Terms presented suggest what Russia could agree to. Does that mean that it is what must be accepted by the Ukrainians and the Europeans? The answer is no,” he stated.

Details of the Initial US Plan

The US proposal was reportedly made up of 28 points and was based on dialog between American and Moscow officials, with input from Ukrainian security officials.

Major elements of the plan reportedly included:

• Ukraine surrendering land presently held by Russia
• Additional zones that might be expected to be willingly given up
• Restrictions on the scale of the Ukrainian army
• Amnesty for all sides in the conflict regarding violations

Recent Events and Ongoing Challenges

The US official allegedly went to Kyiv to inform Zelenskyy on the proposal and demand rapid acceptance.

This demand, coupled with the leaking of the plan, apparently took by surprise Kyiv and EU authorities.

Zelenskyy reportedly that the nation was facing one of the toughest periods in its existence and was being forced to choose between “losing our dignity or losing a key ally.”

Later, Driscoll informed Nato ambassadors on the proposal in Kyiv, with one attendee describing it as “a nightmare meeting” and noting that EU ambassadors were stunned by both the content and tone of the delivery.

The US administration later softened its stance, indicating that the 28-point proposal was an “opening point for discussion” rather than a final demand.

Military Developments During Negotiations

As peace talks continue, Russian forces has continued its regular attacks on Ukraine’s urban centers.

Russian forces allegedly launched dozens of projectiles and many of drones at targets in and around the capital, as stated by Kyiv reports.

The Ukrainian president stressed that Moscow must not believe it could win the war while talks were ongoing.

“What matters most now is that all partners move toward diplomacy together, through joint efforts. Pressure on Russia must deliver results,” he affirmed.

Kyiv’s leader reported that seven people had been fatally injured in the recent assault on the city.