Rubio claims security framework is taking shape ahead of Abu Dhabi summit
The US Secretary of State signaled that structural details for post-war protection are firming up, even as a new power grid link in Moldova aims to sever Russian energy leverage.
By Marta Gray ·
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Sunday that negotiations regarding post-war security arrangements for Ukraine have moved forward. He indicated that the discussions have focused on the specific structure of these guarantees for the region. Rubio made these comments while preparing to travel to Paris to meet with G7 foreign ministers. He noted that security assurances have been a constant topic in American dialogue about the conflict.
US-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Abu Dhabi. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who is President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, will represent the United States in those negotiations. Rubio suggested that further progress on the security framework could occur during this week's meetings.
In a Sunday interview on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” President Donald Trump expressed his belief that the war would conclude soon. He suggested that a final settlement might result in altered borders for Ukraine. When asked if Russian leader Vladimir Putin was delaying the process, Trump responded, “Oh, I don’t think so.”
European participation in the Abu Dhabi talks was confirmed by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. He told RTL radio that Europe would be well represented but did not name the specific French official attending. This follows a period of intensified diplomatic activity aimed at stabilizing the region.
Energy infrastructure in the region saw changes on Sunday. In Moldova, a new electricity line connecting the country to Romania and the European grid was activated. President Maia Sandu announced the launch on X, stating that the move reduces reliance on Russian energy. She noted that Moldova now buys zero Russian gas. The step is intended to bolster energy security for the country of 2.6 million people.
In southern Ukraine, a Russian drone struck a former school and a shelter in Komyshuvakha. Emergency workers were conducting rescue operations at the site when the hit occurred. The village had been heavily bombed last Monday, which killed at least 55 people and left about 50 missing. Sunday's strike damaged rescue equipment but caused no reported injuries.
The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that external power was restored to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on Sunday. The facility had relied on backup generators for several hours after a line disconnection. It was the plant’s 27th loss of external power since the conflict began. Russia’s defense ministry also claimed that overnight attacks hit three cargo vessels and two electricity substations in Ukraine.
The Zaporizhzhia plant is not currently generating electricity but requires external power to keep its fuel cool. The UN nuclear watchdog said the cause of the recent outage was unknown. These developments occur as diplomats prepare for the upcoming sessions in the Gulf.
