US proposes Russia review Europe's security architecture within peace deal

Washington sets conditions for reviewing security model

The United States has approached the Russian Federation with an initiative to develop an updated draft agreement on security in Europe. According to Axios, the American side insists that such a document should not merely satisfy Moscow's demands. It must clearly outline "symmetric steps" by Russia aimed at de-escalating tensions in relations with European states and assuring them of a renunciation of future attacks.

Previously, Russia had repeatedly sought the conclusion of a European security agreement that would limit NATO's expansion and reduce the Alliance's military presence in Eastern Europe. Washington had previously rejected such proposals, but now, it appears, the Donald Trump administration is ready to consider them in a certain form within a broader agreement on ending the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, many European governments view the Donald Trump administration's approach with deep suspicion.

Talks in Abu Dhabi and meeting with Putin

One of the key issues during the talks between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi was the new security architecture. According to a participant in these meetings, they took place in a tense and at times emotional atmosphere, with the sides making claims against each other. Russian negotiators claimed that Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine because then-US President Joe Biden did not respond to his 2021 letter, in which the Russian leader outlined his security concerns.

US President's special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff attempted to lower the temperature of the conflict. They explained to the participants that the goal of the current round was to conclude the discussions by offering leaders options for resolving problematic issues. After each side had stated its position, the discussion became more constructive.

Kushner and Witkoff responded to the Russian arguments by stating that the world had changed significantly since 2021. They proposed that Moscow prepare a new draft document that would take into account its security concerns and demands. American representatives also emphasised that for a substantive discussion of European security issues, Russia must agree to the participation of European representatives in the next peace negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation.

Action plan for the coming days

On Thursday, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff plan to meet with Vladimir Putin in Moscow. During this meeting, they will repeat the request to prepare a new draft agreement. In addition, the American side wants Putin to allow European representatives to join the next round of peace negotiations.

The Trump administration aims to conduct negotiations on peace in Ukraine and on a new security architecture in Europe in parallel. However, as a source familiar with the White House's position reported, security arrangements will only begin to be implemented after an agreement on ending the war is reached. The US hopes that involving Europeans in the negotiations will increase their governments' readiness to discuss a broader security agreement even before the end of the war.

«Зеленський не погодиться на угоду, поки не знатиме, що буде далі з гарантіями безпеки, і Путін також хоче це знати. Саме тому питання безпеки таке важливе» ("Zelensky will not agree to a deal until he knows what will happen with security guarantees, and Putin also wants to know this. That is why the security issue is so important"), the source noted.

The issue of security guarantees and future relations with Russia will be one of the key topics at the summit of European leaders, which will take place in Dublin at the end of this week.