The United States is seeking not a temporary ceasefire, but a definitive end to Russia’s war against Ukraine. At the talks in Abu Dhabi on 10 November, Washington is proposing to discuss not only the cessation of hostilities, but also a new long-term security framework in Europe. Moscow has supported the broadening of the agenda and insists that any future agreements must take its security requirements into account. Ukraine, meanwhile, is seeking reliable guarantees that would prevent a repeat Russian attack.
The US does not want a ceasefire, but a full end to the war
According to US officials, the talks in Abu Dhabi are intended to lay the foundations for a long-term peaceful settlement. Washington is proposing the development of new security mechanisms to govern relations between Russia and European states once the war has ended.
The initiative aims to strengthen diplomatic consultations, establish reliable channels of communication during crises, ensure greater transparency in military activities, and implement reciprocal measures to reduce the risk of new conflicts.
The US is also considering the possibility of providing Ukraine with security guarantees, similar in substance to NATO’s collective defence mechanisms. At the same time, the specific procedures for their application and the obligations of the guarantor states have not yet been defined.
Russia wants to discuss a new security system for Europe
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov On the eve of the talks, he stated that the first item on the agenda would be security issues concerning Russia, Ukraine and the region as a whole. He welcomed the decision by the American negotiators to place collective security at the top of the agenda for the consultations.
According to Lavrov, the aim of the meeting is to agree on principles which may subsequently form the basis of a comprehensive peace agreement.
Reuters, citing a source within the Russian delegation, reports that Moscow views a resolution to the war in Ukraine as part of a broader agreement on security on the European continent.
The Russian side is promoting the idea of a new security architecture; however, the content of its possible position paper on security in Eurasia has not been made public.
This framing of the issue is causing concern in Europe. European Union representatives emphasise that existing international agreements already provide for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and that the problem lies in Russia’s violation of these agreements.
Consultations on ending the war have begun in Abu Dhabi
On 10 November, the Ukrainian delegation began working in the United Arab Emirates following consultations involving representatives from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, NATO and the European Commission.
Special representatives from the US are involved in the negotiation process Steve Witkoff і Jared Kushner. Following preliminary consultations, a trilateral format involving Ukraine, the US and Russia is envisaged.
The Ukrainian side has identified the cessation of hostilities, post-war security guarantees, economic recovery and humanitarian issues as its key priorities.
The Russian delegation is led by Putin’s aide Vladimir Medinsky. Its members also included representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the military leadership and the intelligence services of the Russian Federation.
The talks will take place on 10–11 November. As yet, no agreed decisions have been announced regarding an end to the war or a new European security system.
