British and French troops in Ukraine: Rubio reveals details of Abu Dhabi talks
Photo: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Getty Images)
At negotiations in Abu Dhabi, security guarantees are being discussed under which British and French troops could be sent to Ukraine. In addition, these guarantees include support from the United States, stated US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Senate, according to The Guardian.
According to Rubio, the security guarantees envision the deployment of a small number of European troops, along with US support. He emphasized, however, that "the security guarantee is the US backstop."
"And I’m not diminishing the fact that some countries in Europe are willing to place troops in a post-war Ukraine. What I’m pointing out is that it is irrelevant without the US backstop," Rubio said.
The US Secretary of State stressed that the need for US support arises because allies and partners have not invested enough in defense over the past 20–30 years.
Negotiations in Abu Dhabi and security guarantees
Over the weekend, the first trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States were held in Abu Dhabi. These talks received a positive assessment from the US side.
Ukraine also described the trilateral talks in the UAE as substantive. The next meeting of the delegations is scheduled for February 1 in the UAE.
Recently, media reports claimed that the Trump administration told Ukraine that providing security guarantees depends on whether Kyiv is willing to make territorial concessions, particularly over the Donbas region. The White House, however, denied this, stating that Ukraine is not being forced to make any concessions.
In addition, Reuters reported, citing a source, that the US believes Ukraine must first sign a peace agreement with Russia. Only after this would Kyiv receive security guarantees.
RBC-Ukraine's source said that the January 23–24 meeting was introductory in nature. Essentially, the parties familiarized themselves with each other’s positions.
