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Diplomatic talks involving US, Moscow, and Kyiv representatives are underway in the United Arab Emirates this Tuesday, marking the latest stage in efforts to achieve a ceasefire deal to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Key Delegates and Opening Discussions

US Army official Dan Driscoll reportedly conferred with a Moscow team on the eve of the talks, with dialog extending into Tuesday.

“Discussions are progressing positively and we maintain hope. Secretary Driscoll is closely synchronised with the White House ... as these talks progress,” his spokesperson remarked.

Ukraine’s top intelligence official, the head of military intelligence, was also expected to take part in the discussions, though it remained unclear whether direct talks with Moscow’s representatives would happen or if distinct bilateral sessions would be held.

Identity of the Moscow team was unconfirmed. “I have nothing to say. Our position is to monitor press coverage,” a Russian representative informed state media.

Background and Revised Peace Plan

The current talks come after prior discussions in Switzerland where US and Ukrainian officials revised a preliminary US plan for resolving the conflict.

Russia has not yet endorsed the latest draft of the plan and is not expected to agree to many of the Kyiv amendments.

Moscow’s top diplomat, the Russian diplomat, declared that any amended agreement must embody the “intent and text” of what was covered during earlier high-level talks between the two nations.

Global Reactions and Concerns

European leaders are reportedly struggling to remain involved in the negotiations as US officials drive the efforts.

The Finnish leader, Alexander Stubb, who has emerged as a primary mediator between Washington and EU officials, commented that the next few days would be decisive in attempts to find a agreement.

He reportedly held discussions with Kyiv’s leader and the alliance representatives, emphasizing that “Decisions about Ukraine’s future rest with its people, and with European security falling under Europe’s purview.”

Meanwhile, the France’s leader, the French official, cautioned against a settlement that would represent a “surrender” for Ukraine.

“The current proposal indicates what Moscow might find acceptable. However, must Kyiv and European nations consent to these terms? The answer is no,” he stated.

Details of the Initial US Plan

American plan was reportedly made up of multiple articles and was based on discussions between US and Russian officials, with input from Kyiv security officials.

Major aspects of the plan reportedly involved:

• Ukraine ceding land presently held by Russia
• Additional regions that would be required to be voluntarily given up
• Limits on the scale of the Ukrainian army
• Amnesty for all parties in the war regarding war crimes

Recent Developments and Continuing Challenges

The US representative allegedly traveled to Kyiv to brief Zelenskyy on the plan and urge quick acceptance.

This demand, coupled with the leaking of the plan, apparently took by surprise Kyiv and EU officials.

The Ukrainian president reportedly that the country was facing one of the hardest periods in its history and was being forced to choose between “forfeiting self-respect or abandoning a crucial supporter.”

Later, the US official informed alliance representatives on the proposal in Kyiv, with one attendee labeling it as “an extremely difficult session” and stating that European ambassadors were shocked by both the content and manner of the presentation.

The US administration later moderated its stance, indicating that the 28-point proposal was an “starting position for talks” rather than a definitive ultimatum.

Security Situation During Talks

While peace talks continue, Moscow has maintained its nightly attacks on Ukraine’s urban centers.

Moscow’s forces reportedly launched numerous of missiles and hundreds of unmanned aircraft at objectives in and around Kyiv, according to Kyiv reports.

Zelenskyy stressed that Moscow must not believe it could win the war while talks were ongoing.

“Crucially, all allies must advance toward diplomacy collectively, with unified action. Pressure on Russia must deliver results,” he stated.

Kyiv’s leader reported that multiple people had been killed in the recent attack on the capital.