US and Russian officials initiated peace talks in Abu Dhabi on November 25, 2025, aiming to end the war in Ukraine, while deadly overnight strikes resulted in casualties on both sides.
The discussions, led by US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and involving Russian delegates with President Vladimir Putin’s approval, began on Monday and are set to continue on Tuesday. This meeting follows intensive diplomatic efforts, including US-Ukraine talks in Geneva over the weekend, which focused on refining a peace proposal to resolve the prolonged conflict. The US official described these talks as groundwork for potential higher-level engagements in the future.
Concurrently, Russia launched a massive assault on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, with 22 missiles and 460 drones overnight, killing six people and wounding 13, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The strikes caused extensive damage to residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, particularly in the Dniprovskyi and Svyatoshynskyi districts, where fatalities were reported. Local authorities detailed that two people, including an 86-year-old woman, died in a fire in one district, while four others perished in another.
In retaliation, Ukrainian forces conducted a significant drone attack on Russia’s Rostov region, killing three people and injuring eight, as stated by Russia’s Defense Ministry. The commander of Ukraine’s military drone unit, Robert Brovdi, characterized the operation as the “most productive” night in November, inflicting “deep damage” on Russian targets. This exchange of strikes underscores the ongoing violence despite diplomatic overtures.
The peace proposal, originally a 28-point plan drafted by the US with input from both Russia and Ukraine, has been revised after Ukraine raised objections to certain concessions, such as ceding territory and limiting military capabilities. Zelensky confirmed that the new version contains “fewer points” and incorporates “proper considerations,” and he plans to discuss sensitive issues directly with US President Donald Trump. This refinement followed days of negotiations in Geneva.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed optimism, noting that Trump is “hopeful and optimistic that a deal can be struck” to end the war. On the Russian side, Putin has indicated that the US proposal “in principle, could form the basis for a final peace settlement” and aligns with discussions from earlier summits. However, the Kremlin has provided limited public commentary on the latest developments.
These talks represent a critical juncture in renewed international efforts to achieve a resolution, with the US delegation excluding diplomats but involving senior officials to facilitate progress. The simultaneous military actions highlight the challenges of reconciling diplomacy with active hostilities, as both sides continue to engage in lethal operations. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, aware that any breakthrough could significantly impact regional stability.
As the negotiations proceed, the focus will be on bridging gaps between the parties and addressing core issues like territorial disputes and security guarantees. The outcome of these efforts could pave the way for a sustainable peace, but the path remains uncertain amid persistent conflict and geopolitical tensions.
