US and Russia Begin Ukraine Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi Amid Ongoing Conflict

On March 18, 2024, meetings took place in Abu Dhabi between US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Russian officials to discuss a proposed plan aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. The negotiations are set to continue on March 19, as both nations navigate a complex landscape of military actions and diplomatic efforts.

The discussions follow a recent surge in violence, with both Russia and Ukraine launching deadly strikes against each other. Reports indicate that at least six individuals were killed in Kyiv, while three fatalities were reported in Russia’s Rostov region. These developments underscore the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution.

Framework for Future Engagements

According to a senior US official, the talks in Abu Dhabi are intended to establish a foundation for higher-level engagements in the future. The Russian delegation is participating with the approval of President Vladimir Putin. Driscoll, the highest-ranking member of the American delegation in Abu Dhabi, is engaging with Russian officials following talks that occurred between US and Ukrainian representatives in Geneva earlier in the weekend.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed optimism regarding the potential for a peace agreement, stating that President Donald Trump is “hopeful and optimistic that a deal can be struck” to bring an end to the conflict. This follows negotiations surrounding a 28-point peace proposal, which included contributions from both Russian and Ukrainian officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked that the new proposal has been streamlined, containing “fewer points than 28,” and emphasized that “proper considerations have been taken into account.” He indicated that the Ukrainian delegation had returned from Geneva to discuss the revised draft, stating, “This is indeed the right approach. I will discuss sensitive issues with President Trump.”

Continued Violence Amid Negotiations

The Kremlin has not extensively commented on the US proposal, though Putin acknowledged that it “could form the basis for a final peace settlement.” He noted that the version reviewed by Russia aligns with discussions held at the US-Russia summit in Alaska earlier in 2024, though it remains unclear how the proposal may have changed during recent meetings.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, violence persists. Russian forces launched a series of strikes on Kyiv overnight, targeting residential areas and resulting in multiple casualties. The National Police of Ukraine reported that two individuals, including an 86-year-old woman, lost their lives in the Dniprovskyi district due to a fire that erupted in a residential building. Additionally, four fatalities occurred in the Svyatoshynskyi district, with local officials accusing Russia of intentionally targeting civilian infrastructure.

Conversely, in Russia, a Ukrainian attack in the Rostov region resulted in three deaths and eight injuries, according to Governor Yuriy Slyusar. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 249 Ukrainian drones during the night, indicating ongoing military operations on both sides.

As these talks unfold in Abu Dhabi, the international community remains watchful, hoping for meaningful progress in resolving a conflict that has resulted in significant human and humanitarian costs.