U.S. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll arrived in Abu Dhabi yesterday, Monday, for peace talks with the head of Ukraine’s armed forces intelligence service and a Russian delegation, the Financial Times reported.

Driscoll and the Russians began talks yesterday evening, Monday, according to the report, which cites two individuals familiar with the matter.

The meeting took place after American and Ukrainian officials tried to narrow their differences regarding a plan to end the war in Ukraine, agreeing to modify a U.S. proposal that Kyiv and its European allies had considered too accommodating to the Kremlin’s wishes.

A U.S. official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said that Driscoll’s talks will continue today. It is not clear who is part of the Russian delegation.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Diplomatic Fever After Changes to the U.S. Plan

Major changes are being made to the American peace plan for Ukraine, as Kyiv, Europeans, and Moscow reacted to key points of the original 28-point document. The new plan—now reduced to 19 points—alters the provisions concerning security, sovereignty, and Ukraine’s potential future membership in NATO.

The U.S. speaks of “significant progress,” the EU of a “substantial revision,” while Russia describes it as a “plan that must take reality into account.” At the same time, fighting on the front lines continued for yet another night with new Russian attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv and Ukrainian strikes in Krasnodar.

The difficult first hours of negotiations in Geneva

Talks began with tensions, as Kyiv realized that the initial draft promoted by the U.S. included terms resembling acceptance of territorial losses and restrictions on the country’s defense. For this reason, the Ukrainian government immediately sent senior officials to Geneva, where national security advisors from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom were also present.

The atmosphere was highly charged — notably, the head of the Ukrainian negotiating team, Andriy Yermak, appeared “expressionless,” and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had to deny claims that the draft “was written by the Kremlin.”

Despite objections, Kyiv took part in the talks under U.S. pressure, as Donald Trump had warned that Ukraine would face “consequences” if it did not move quickly.

The revisions: from 28 points to 19

The joint Ukraine–U.S. statement on Sunday evening referred to an “updated and revised framework.” According to Ukrainian officials, this new draft contains 19 points — almost entirely different from the original.

Much of the change is due to:

• strong objections from the Ukrainian side
• interventions from Europeans
• Washington’s desire to avoid the appearance of imposing a solution favorable to Russia

The new text, according to European sources, “is much closer to what Kyiv can accept.”

What changes in the new plan – the critical points

The core of the changes concerns four areas:

1. Ukraine’s future NATO membership
The automatic veto on Ukraine’s future accession is removed. Kyiv does not accept a solution that permanently excludes its relationship with the Alliance.

2. Restrictions on the Ukrainian armed forces
The provision for “limitations” on troop numbers has been withdrawn. Ukraine insists it cannot restrict its defensive capabilities while facing a Russian threat.

3. Territorial issues – Donbas and occupied areas
The contentious clause that foresaw ceding the remainder of Donbas to Russia has been removed. The new provision states that Ukraine will seek to restore its sovereignty solely through diplomatic means — something Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated at times he could consider.

4. Security guarantees
The most important point for Kyiv. A system of guarantees “similar to Article 5” is under discussion, with a commitment of immediate U.S. assistance in case of another Russian attack. This is the condition Zelensky has described as non-negotiable.

The full amnesty for war crimes has also been removed.

Reactions from the U.S., Europe, and Russia

In the United States, Marco Rubio spoke of “tremendous progress,” without revealing details, calling the topic “sensitive.” Donald Trump, who days earlier accused Kyiv of “lack of gratitude,” now says that “something good is coming.”

The European Union—especially Germany—believes the new text is now “significantly revised in the right direction.”

Paris and Berlin call for a framework that ensures Ukrainian sovereignty and European security.

Russia warns it will accept only a plan that “reflects the situation on the ground.”

Analysts note that Vladimir Putin appears more “militarily confident” due to:

• the political crisis in Kyiv
• Ukraine’s difficulties in recruitment
• recent Russian advances in certain sectors of the front.

Continued strikes on Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Krasnodar

Despite progress in negotiations, the situation on the ground remains harsh. Russian missiles and drones again hit Kyiv and Kharkiv, causing deaths, extensive damage, and power outages. These attacks are seen as Moscow’s “messages of strength” ahead of negotiations.

At the same time, Ukraine is escalating attacks on Russian territory. The Kuban region (Krasnodar) was struck by dozens of Ukrainian drones, causing injuries and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.

These attacks signal that Kyiv can strike deep inside Russia, strengthening its bargaining position.

What comes next

The next 24 hours are crucial. A Zelensky–Trump meeting is expected, during which the remaining “sensitive points” will be discussed.

However, the White House clarified that no meeting between the U.S. president and his Ukrainian counterpart is scheduled for this week.