Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense Kirill Budanov stated that negotiations to end the war in Ukraine should not take place publicly, but in the shadows.
When asked by a journalist about reports of secret negotiations that allegedly took place in Abu Dhabi, Budanov noted that sensitive processes should be conducted in silence. He explained that the openness of such contacts could put them at risk and prevent them from achieving a result.
“All negotiations should be in the shadows, so to speak. Otherwise, they will not be successful. Whether you want to or not, – but we can simply disrupt them. So wait”, — said Budanov.
According to Western media reports, closed meetings were held in Abu Dhabi, which involved the US representative — Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll — and Russian delegates. As the publication noted, such contacts were previously agreed upon through diplomatic channels and were not covered due to the high sensitivity of the topic. The Pentagon confirmed the fact of the negotiations, but refused to disclose the format of the meetings and the composition of the Russian side, limiting itself to stating that “the work is in a sensitive phase.”
A number of American media outlets called this event a continuation of the negotiation process that began in Geneva. According to publications, during the consultations, intensive discussions took place between the United States, Ukraine, and, in an mediated format, Russia on an updated plan for a peaceful settlement.
The initial version of the document contained 28 points, including provisions on Ukraine’s neutrality, possible territorial concessions, and restrictions on armaments. After criticism from Kyiv and some European capitals, this project was reduced to approximately 19 points, but the main controversial issues remained unresolved.
