Ukraine's intel chief: Abu Dhabi peace talks could fail without privacy

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Defence Ministry Intelligence Directorate, emphasised that peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine must be conducted discreetly. He spoke to RBC-Ukraine on the sidelines of the second military prayer breakfast.

When asked to confirm reports of secret talks in Abu Dhabi, Budanov stressed the importance of keeping sensitive processes private:

"All negotiations should be behind the scenes, so to speak. Otherwise, they will not succeed. Whether we like it or not, we could simply jeopardise them. So, please wait," he said.

According to Western media, US General Charles Driscoll held private meetings with the Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi. These contacts were reportedly coordinated through diplomatic channels in advance and were not publicised due to the high sensitivity of the subject.

The Pentagon confirmed the talks occurred but declined to provide details about the format or the composition of the Russian delegation, noting only that “the work is in a sensitive phase.”

American media indicate that the Abu Dhabi meetings were a continuation of a negotiation process that began in Geneva. POLITICO reported that intensive consultations took place involving the US, Ukraine, and, indirectly, Russia, focused on an updated peace plan.

The original plan included 28 points, covering Ukraine’s neutral status, territorial concessions, and arms limitations. Following criticism from Kyiv and certain European capitals, the plan was shortened to roughly 19 points, though key contentious issues remained unresolved.

According to media reports, Washington is attempting to develop a “ceasefire formula” that does not appear to exert direct pressure on Kyiv while aligning with the approach of the new US administration. Officials note that final decisions will rest with US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

By Tamilla Hasanova