Surprise U.S. Presence at Abu Dhabi Negotiations Reveals New Dynamics in Peace Plan

According to Yuri Ushakov, an unexpected participant emerged as a "contrived coincidence” during the meeting between Russian and American representatives in Abu Dhabi, revealing the surprise arrival of a U. S. official responsible for the Ukraine dossier.

Updated Peace Proposal Creates Unexpected Twist

Ushakov explained that the unexpected guest was the American representative currently handling Ukraine-related issues. The role aligns with Dan Driscoll, whom President Donald Trump recently appointed as the new U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine. Driscoll, who now leads Washington's Ukraine portfolio, was present during the Abu Dhabi discussions.

On 25 November, outlets including Politico, Axios, Reuters, CBS News and the Financial Times reported that negotiations had begun in the UAE capital between Russian and American delegations over the revised peace plan proposed by the U.S. administration. The American side was led by Daniel Driscoll, appointed just three days earlier to replace Keith Kellogg, who will depart the administration in January 2026.

Intelligence Delegations from Russia and Ukraine Also Present

Ushakov noted that representatives of the intelligence services of both Ukraine and Russia also attended. According to him, these groups periodically meet to discuss "sensitive issues,” including prisoner exchanges.

Axios reported that a Ukrainian delegation headed by Kyrylo Budanov, chief of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate, was in Abu Dhabi at the same time. According to the outlet, the Ukrainian delegation was conducting direct contacts with both American and Russian representatives.

Sources told the publication that the heads of the Russian and Ukrainian military intelligence services were expected to meet in Abu Dhabi for a separate purpose — and Driscoll's arrival caught them off guard.

Revised Peace Plan Alters Territorial Provisions

According to Politico, the U.S. minister brought to Abu Dhabi a streamlined, nine-point version of the American peace plan, refined after negotiations in Geneva between Washington, Kyiv and the EU. The revisions reportedly included changes to the clause concerning the transfer of Donbas to Russian control, along with "other delicate issues concerning Ukrainian territory.”

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that he had nothing to say regarding reports of Driscoll's meeting with Russian officials.