In a surprise diplomatic twist today, Wednesday, November 26, Russian and Ukrainian envoys landed in Abu Dhabi, meeting behind the scenes to tackle a range of sensitive issues—from prisoner exchanges to the sparks flying over the latest US-brokered peace plan.
Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the talks took place on Wednesday in the Gulf city, marking one of the most secretive back-channel conversations since tensions flared. While the 28-point proposal unveiled by U.S. President Donald Trump last week had been passed along, Ushakov says 'there haven’t been any discussions yet' on the details. 🤔
Amid their catch-up, both sides also crossed paths with U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll—an unexpected cameo that raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about Washington’s next moves.
Ushakov added that 'some aspects can be viewed positively, but many require specialized discussion among experts,' hinting at the long road ahead for any agreement to take shape.
Trump, who hopes his envoy Steve Witkoff will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin next week, is also involving his son-in-law Jared Kushner, fresh off his success in negotiating a shaky Gaza ceasefire. Ukrainian officials say they back a modified version of the framework but want the toughest issues ironed out in a potential meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Trump.
With the stakes this high, the world will be watching if these informal talks in Abu Dhabi can light a path toward peace—or if they’ll just be another chapter in a tense saga. ✨
Reference(s):
Kremlin says Russian, Ukrainian representatives met in Abu Dhabi
cgtn.com
