US and Russia Engage in Peace Talks Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll met with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi on March 11, 2024, to discuss a potential framework for ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. This diplomatic effort follows a series of intense negotiations, including talks held in Geneva over the weekend between US and Ukrainian representatives. The discussions are set to continue on Tuesday, as both sides seek to establish a foundation for future high-level engagements.

The backdrop to these talks remains grim, as both Russia and Ukraine traded deadly strikes overnight. Reports indicate that at least six individuals were killed in Kyiv, while three fatalities were recorded in the Rostov region of Russia. The current violence underscores the urgency surrounding the peace discussions.

Details of the Proposed Peace Framework

According to a US official, the meetings in Abu Dhabi are part of a broader strategy to resolve the conflict. The Russian delegation, which is participating with the approval of President Vladimir Putin, aims to evaluate a new draft of a peace proposal. This proposal, initially comprising 28 points with significant concessions to Russia, has reportedly been revised to include fewer points, as stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky commented that the updated proposal reflects “proper considerations” and aligns better with Ukraine’s interests. He emphasized that he would discuss sensitive aspects of the new framework with US President Donald Trump. Trump has expressed hope that a deal can be reached, reinforcing a commitment to finding a resolution to the conflict.

The Kremlin has acknowledged the US proposal as a potential basis for a final peace settlement. Putin noted that the version reviewed by Russian officials aligns with earlier discussions held during the US-Russia summit in Alaska earlier this year. However, the specifics of how the proposal evolved following the meetings with Ukraine remain unclear.

Casualties and Continued Hostilities

As the negotiations unfold, violence continues to escalate. Russian forces launched multiple strikes on Kyiv overnight, hitting residential areas and resulting in casualties. According to the National Police of Ukraine, two people died, including an elderly woman, due to a fire in a residential building in the city’s Dniprovskyi district. Additionally, four deaths were reported in the Svyatoshynskyi district, with local authorities accusing Russia of intentionally targeting civilian infrastructure.

Conversely, Ukrainian forces conducted an attack in the Rostov region, leading to three fatalities and eight injuries, according to local Governor Yuriy Slyusar. The Russian Defense Ministry reported intercepting 249 Ukrainian drones overnight, highlighting the ongoing military engagement between the two nations.

These developments reflect the complex and volatile nature of the situation, emphasizing the critical need for effective diplomacy. As the US and Russian officials continue their discussions in Abu Dhabi, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine.