Security discussion format expands
According to The Telegraph, citing diplomatic sources, Ukraine and European states have reached an agreement to discuss comprehensive arrangements aimed at ensuring post-war security in Europe. This topic is set to become a key focus during upcoming negotiations to be held in Abu Dhabi.
US special envoy's initiative
The publication notes that the relevant proposal was conveyed to Russian President Vladimir Putin by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. It was put forward during a three-hour meeting that took place in St. Petersburg last week.
According to the newspaper's sources, this initiative was one of the factors that prompted the Russian leader to agree to resume the negotiation process with Ukraine. Another possible influencing factor, according to The Telegraph, was the easing of sanctions restrictions related to Russian diesel fuel.
Moscow's stance on NATO presence
The publication's diplomatic sources suggest that Russia is attempting to achieve a reduction in NATO's military presence in Eastern Europe. In their assessment, Moscow may demand that the North Atlantic Alliance revert to its 1997 level, i.e., the point before NATO began its eastward expansion.
Meanwhile, there is currently no official confirmation from Russia that such demands are a condition for conducting negotiations. The Telegraph's European sources emphasised that countries on the continent will not agree to a reduction in the alliance's military presence in Eastern Europe.
Previous statements from the Russian side
Earlier, Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov stated that concluding a peace agreement requires holding dialogues not only with Ukraine but with all of Europe. Vladimir Putin himself also emphasised that the negotiations planned for November would aim to discuss the security architecture in Europe.
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