Kushner proposes reviving Europe-Russia dialogue modeled on NATO-Russia Council
Photo: US President's special envoy Jared Kushner (Getty Images)
Washington is proposing discussions on Europe's future security alongside efforts to end the war in Ukraine. But European officials see risks in this approach, reports The Washington Post.
One of the next major steps in the diplomatic process will be a trilateral meeting between representatives of the US, Ukraine, and Russia, scheduled for Tuesday in Abu Dhabi. The sides are expected to discuss the compromises needed to reach a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the US President's special envoy Jared Kushner wants to expand the negotiating process and involve European countries. According to an official familiar with the talks, the model guiding the US envoy is the NATO-Russia Council. It was established after the end of the Cold War, but its activities were suspended in 2014 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and seizure of Crimea.
In a statement published on social media platform X on Thursday evening, Kushner said that if progress is made in the Abu Dhabi talks, he hopes to move toward a broader multilateral format with the direct participation of European countries.
Among the goals of such a dialogue, he cited regular security consultations, reliable communication channels in the event of crises, greater military transparency, mutual measures to reduce the risk of escalation, and the creation of a foundation for long-term security and stability in Europe.
Why Europe is reluctant to negotiate with Russia
European officials confirmed to the media that they are open to dialogue with Russia. But they will agree to discuss a new security framework only after a ceasefire is reached in Ukraine.
An official from a country that is a close US ally said the two negotiating tracks could move forward in parallel. He stressed that an agreement on Ukraine must be reached before any deal on Europe's security architecture.
An official from another key European country also acknowledged that Kushner's approach carries risks. He said it is better to take part in the process than to remain on the sidelines. He added that the negotiations would be difficult and that future security could only be discussed after the war ends.
Despite key European leaders' support for Kushner's diplomatic efforts, there is broad agreement among European countries on the necessary sequence: first, a ceasefire in Ukraine, and only then negotiations with Russia on the security of the continent.
Abu Dhabi talks
Ukraine and Russia are preparing for another round of trilateral talks mediated by the US, scheduled to take place on November 10-11 in Abu Dhabi.
Kyiv has already finalized the composition of its delegation, which includes Presidential Office chief Kyrylo Budanov.
Russia's negotiating team will once again be led by Vladimir Medinsky. This time, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, who is responsible for arms control and nonproliferation issues, among other things, will join the team for the first time.
Moscow will also send senior General Staff representative Yuri Zhigarlovsky, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, and military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov.
For Ukraine, security guarantees will be one of the key issues in the talks. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that this is precisely the issue that needs to be discussed during the meeting in Abu Dhabi.
