US, Russia hold peace talks in UAE as missiles pound Kyiv

Overnight attack that killed at least six people underlines the stakes for Ukraine

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US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll held talks on Nov 24 and 25 with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi as part of an intense new push by President Donald Trump’s administration to end the war in Ukraine, Mr Driscoll’s spokesman said.

US and Ukrainian officials are trying to narrow the gaps between them over a peace plan, with core issues still unresolved and Ukraine wary of being strong-armed into accepting a deal largely on the Kremlin’s terms.

“Late Monday and throughout Tuesday, Secretary Driscoll and team have been in discussions with the Russian delegation to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine,” said US Army Lieutenant-Colonel Jeff Tolbert, a spokesman for Mr Driscoll. “The talks are going well and we remain optimistic. Secretary Driscoll is closely synchronised with the White House... as these talks progress.”

The exact nature of the discussions was not immediately clear, and it was not known who was in the Russian delegation.

A US official said Mr Driscoll, who has emerged as a point man for US diplomatic efforts on Ukraine, was also expected to meet Ukrainian officials while in Abu Dhabi.

Underlining the stakes for Ukraine, its capital Kyiv was hit by a barrage of missiles and hundreds of drones overnight in a Russian attack that killed at least six people and disrupted power and heating systems.

Residents were sheltering underground wearing winter jackets, some in tents.