Any future agreements to end Russia’s war against Ukraine must provide for robust security guarantees and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This was stated by US Presidential Special Representative Steve Witkoff following consultations with Ukrainian and European representatives in Abu Dhabi. According to him, the new post-war security framework must be based on existing European institutions and international agreements, whilst preserving each state’s right to determine its own policies and security priorities.
- Vitkoff emphasised the need for security guarantees and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
- Future agreements must take account of the territorial integrity and independence of states.
- The US proposes making use of existing European security institutions and international agreements.
- The specific mechanisms for security guarantees for Ukraine remain under discussion.
- Consultations are taking place in Abu Dhabi ahead of a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the US and Russia.
The US emphasised Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity
During consultations with representatives of Ukraine, NATO and European states, the parties discussed the principles of a future peaceful settlement. One of the key issues was the establishment of mechanisms to prevent a recurrence of Russian aggression following a possible cessation of hostilities.
According to Witkoff, security agreements must take into account Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Separately, the negotiators emphasised the right of states to make their own decisions regarding their future.
This refers to the principles of a future agreement, rather than to a guarantee mechanism that has already been agreed. The specific commitments of the US and its European partners in the event of a new Russian attack have not yet been defined.
Future guarantees are proposed to be based on European security agreements
The US is considering the possibility of using existing European institutions and international mechanisms as the basis for a post-war security system.
Among the areas being discussed by the negotiators are regular consultations between states, reliable channels of communication during crises, transparency regarding military activities, and measures to reduce the risk of further escalation.
Earlier, a US representative Jared Kushner He emphasised that future agreements must not grant one state the right to veto the sovereign decisions of another. At the same time, NATO, according to the American vision, must remain the central element of Europe’s collective defence.
Preparations are under way in Abu Dhabi for trilateral talks with Russia
On 10 November, the Ukrainian delegation has started work in the United Arab Emirates for consultations involving the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, NATO and the European Commission. US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also taking part in the meetings.
Head of the Ukrainian delegation Rustem Umerov identified the cessation of hostilities, reliable post-war security guarantees, economic recovery and humanitarian issues as priorities.
Once positions have been agreed with the partners, a trilateral format involving Ukraine, the US and Russia is envisaged. The first official results of the talks have not yet been announced.
