Zelensky cautions Europe over US-Russia security talks

Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff departed the Four Seasons hotel in Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on November 12. Their meeting aimed to address various issues leading to a durable settlement of the crisis around Ukraine. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov indicated the meeting would cover numerous topics, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Putin would determine their future positions based on insights from the Americans.

According to Axios sources, the meeting would also discuss the postwar future, with Kushner and Witkoff proposing that Russia outline its vision for security in Europe, taking into account the significant changes since 2021. They also suggested expanding the trilateral talks to include European representatives, though the exact representation remains uncertain.

EU heads of state are expected to discuss this matter at an informal summit in Dublin the following day, though no official decision on a special European negotiator is anticipated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insists that the final choice of negotiator must be agreed upon with him.

Kushner and Witkoff are also anticipated to arrive in Dublin that evening and meet with Zelensky by the end of the day. Zelensky expressed positivity about the talks held in Abu Dhabi, stating that there was "no negativity" in them. He acknowledged that the Americans brought something concrete to the table but remained skeptical about their ability to return with concrete results.

Concerning territorial issues, Zelensky noted that U.S. representatives are continually seeking options for Donbas but reiterated that only leaders should decide on the final outcome.

Kyiv has unofficially complained that the focus of the talks has shifted from ending the Russia-Ukraine war to discussing strategic questions related to the future European security architecture. Russian delegates reportedly refused to discuss crucial matters such as a ceasefire, territorial issues, energy, and security in the Black Sea during the second day of talks in Abu Dhabi. Kyiv and Europe had previously expressed concerns that expanding the scope of the talks could allow Moscow to prolong the fighting.