Moscow Pushes Pause: Kremlin Says U.S. Peace Plan Not Discussed, Needs Deep Review.
The Kremlin said Wednesday that the latest U.S. proposal for ending the war in Ukraine still requires close examination and has not yet been the subject of substantive talks with Washington.
The clarification came amid reports that American and Russian officials unexpectedly crossed paths during separate meetings in Abu Dhabi this week.
Yuri Ushakov, a senior foreign policy aide to President Vladimir Putin, told state television that Moscow had only recently received the new U.S. draft framework and had not discussed it with U.S. representatives. “We saw it, it was passed on to us, but there haven’t been any discussions yet,” he said, adding that the plan demands “serious analysis” before Russia can issue any formal response.
Russian intelligence officials were in the United Arab Emirates to meet Ukrainian counterparts for what Ushakov described as talks on “very sensitive issues,” including potential prisoner exchanges.
While in Abu Dhabi, they also encountered U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, according to American officials. Ushakov called that meeting “unexpected,” and offered no details on what was discussed.
His comments appear intended to tamp down speculation that Moscow and Washington had quietly launched negotiations over the U.S.-drafted proposal, which U.S. and Ukrainian officials have said outlines a pathway to a ceasefire and broader settlement.
Ushakov signaled that the Kremlin sees both opportunities and challenges in the draft, saying “some aspects can be viewed positively,” while other elements will require “specialized discussion among experts.” He gave no indication of when Moscow might provide an official response.
The remarks highlight the delicate diplomatic choreography surrounding the latest peace initiative, as Washington pushes to secure a Ukrainian-Russian ceasefire while Moscow signals caution and insists it is not yet engaged in detailed talks.
