U.S. and Russian Officials Reportedly Met in Abu Dhabi

According to Reuters, CBS News, and other media outlets citing informed sources on November 25th, U.S. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth held talks with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on November 24th (local time). The anonymous U.S. official who disclosed this information stated that the talks would continue into today, and the specific members of the Russian delegation are currently unclear. The anonymous U.S. official added that Wormuth also plans to meet with Ukrainian officials in Abu Dhabi. The White House has not immediately responded to media requests for comment.

U.S. and Ukrainian representatives met in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 23rd to discuss a new U.S. "28-point" plan aimed at ending the Ukraine crisis. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the evening of November 24th (local time), following the Geneva talks, the plan had been "streamlined somewhat, it's no longer 28 points," while "many correct elements" had been added. He stated that he would discuss "some sensitive issues, some of the most difficult items" with U.S. President Donald Trump. U.S. media reported that the U.S. and Ukrainian representatives drafted a "19-point" plan in Geneva, leaving the most contentious issues, such as territorial matters and security guarantees for Ukraine, to the presidents of the two countries to decide. Trump had previously demanded that Ukraine accept the "28-point" plan by November 27th at the latest, but subsequent statements from the U.S. side suggest this deadline is not being strictly insisted upon.