US calls for new Europe security framework as Russia, Ukraine hold first peace talks in 9 months

U.S. officials have called for a new security framework for Europe following the first peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in nearly nine months. The talks, held in Abu Dhabi, were the initial step in a series of negotiations set to continue on Wednesday. U.S. envoys, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, aimed to narrow the gaps between the two sides and establish a solution to Europe's most significant conflict since World War II.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the talks as "very productive" and urged Europeans to be included in the negotiations, claiming they are part of the solution to the problem. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the talks as "constructive and quite substantive," highlighting discussions on humanitarian issues and security guarantees.

Zelenskyy also expressed the need for Europe to appoint a representative for the talks. Furthermore, the U.S. hopes to create a long-term security framework that will ensure peace for decades, if not centuries. Russia, which issued an ultimatum to Western countries to withdraw troops from Eastern Europe before the invasion, has also emphasized the importance of this priority.

Ukraine has warned against a "Yalta 2.0," referring to Western leaders dividing Europe after World War II. The EU has stated that security arrangements can only be discussed after a ceasefire. Russia's participation in the talks is seen as a step towards reviving its demand for NATO to withdraw from Eastern Europe. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to push for a ceasefire and security guarantees, as well as 10 years of financial support to sustain its army.