U.S. Engages in Secretive Diplomacy with Russia over Ukraine Conflict

In a covert diplomatic effort, U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll conducted discussions on Monday with a Russian group in Abu Dhabi, UAE, following the recent talks with Ukrainian officials in Geneva designed to advance peace efforts in Ukraine. This was confirmed by an insider from the U.S. government to ABC News.

Driscoll's schedule included another meeting with the Russian representatives on Tuesday. However, the specific members of the Russian team involved remain undisclosed.

These private discussions in Abu Dhabi succeeded the Geneva meeting over the weekend between the United States and Ukraine, indicating a fresh U.S. strategic push to rejuvenate peace negotiations concerning Ukraine.

Progress in Peace Plan Discussions

Heading the U.S. delegation during the Geneva talks was Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.

ABC News has gathered that the original 28-point peace proposal presented to Ukraine in Geneva has been reworked into a 19-point version, excluding provisions on war-time amnesty and constraints on Ukraine’s military expansion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed on Monday that the revised peace plan still required further effort and refinement.

Post-Geneva talks, Russia claimed they were not informed of modifications made during discussions between the U.S. and Ukraine representatives.

After the talks concluded in Geneva, Rubio returned stateside while Driscoll proceeded to Abu Dhabi. There, on Monday, he engaged in confidential talks with a Russian contingent to review adjustments in the Geneva-drafted 28-point plan, as per the U.S. official.

Previously, as Driscoll embarked on discussions in Ukraine aimed at progressing the peace initiative, U.S. representatives hinted to ABC News that encounters with Russian officials could occur, albeit the timing was ambiguous.

Strategic Military Engagement in Peace Initiatives

The prominent involvement of the U.S. Army Secretary in the peace talk process was initiated following consultations between President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance several weeks prior.

Although it is unusual for a military services secretary to partake in such pivotal diplomatic ventures, the engagement of military figures might be strategically beneficial for both Russia and Ukraine.

Before heading to Ukraine, Driscoll had coordinated with Rubio and peace envoy Steve Witkoff, who has continuously worked on bridging gaps between Ukraine and Russia. They stopped in Germany for additional briefings en route to Ukraine.

Joining Driscoll were U.S. Army officials including Gen. Randy George, Gen. Chris Donahue, Sgt. Maj. Michael Weimer, and Lt. Gen. Curtis Buzzard, each playing a role in the U.S.'s military aid programs, although not directly involved in Geneva or Abu Dhabi talks.