• U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll met with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi for peace talks.
• The meeting follows discussions held over the weekend in Geneva between U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian diplomats.
• A revised 19-point peace plan has been presented, adjusting previous expectations.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has expressed the need for further negotiations on the plan.
• The outcome of the talks remains uncertain amid ongoing complexities in the conflict.

U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll engaged in secret talks with a Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi, aiming to advance the peace process regarding the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This initiative follows a series of discussions in Geneva, where U.S. and Ukrainian officials worked to address points of contention in the peace negotiations, according to CBS News and Reuters.

The discussions, which began on Monday night, are expected to continue, with reports indicating that Driscoll may also meet with Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, during his visit to Abu Dhabi. This diplomatic effort signifies a notable engagement from U.S. officials, aiming to narrow gaps between their positions and those of Russia and Ukraine, as stated in reports by ABC News and AA.

Driscoll's engagement in these talks indicates an evolving strategy from the Trump administration, which has faced criticism regarding its proposed 28-point peace plan that includes potentially unfavorable conditions for Ukraine. The plan has been revised to a 19-point proposal that is still under scrutiny by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who stressed the need for a refined agreement, as highlighted by Reuters and ABC News.

As discussions progress, the U.S. administration faces the delicate task of balancing demands from Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow. The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by internal issues facing Ukraine, notably amid a corruption scandal, which weakens Zelenskyy's position, according to CBS News and AA.