Ahead of upcoming trilateral negotiations with Russia, representatives of the US, Ukraine, and European partners held a coordination meeting to discuss efforts to end the war and create conditions for a sustainable peace. According to RBC-Ukraine, this was stated by US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff. The meeting served as a preliminary stage prior to the trilateral track, which, according to the same statement, is scheduled for Abu Dhabi.
Red lines: sovereignty and security guarantees
A key outcome of the coordination was the establishment of principles that, according to Witkoff, must form the basis of any future agreements. Participants emphasized that agreements must respect sovereignty, territorial integrity, and decision-making independence, as well as provide robust security guarantees for Ukraine. The US special envoy added that the shared goal of the parties is to develop a practical and mutually reinforcing security system that will strengthen long-term defense and create the prerequisites for achieving negotiated settlements.
The architecture of postwar Europe
In addition to issues of immediate hostilities cessation, the meeting discussed the development of European security institutions and agreements after the war ends. An important part of the discussion was the creation of effective risk management and dangerous escalation prevention mechanisms. The statement notes that participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to shaping a robust postwar European architecture and security system, while a strong NATO, they said, will remain the central element of Euro-Atlantic collective defense.
Who participated in the coordination
Ahead of the trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, the coordination meeting was attended by representatives of Great Britain, France, Germany, and Italy, as well as NATO and the European Commission. On the US side, the discussion included special presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Witkoff emphasized that the US, Ukraine, and European partners will continue close cooperation throughout the negotiation process to transition to broader multilateral discussions in order to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace.
Context: parallel track with Moscow
The coordination meeting is embedded in a broader diplomatic cycle. Earlier, on October 21, at the Constantine Palace in Strelna near St. Petersburg, Vladimir Putin met with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. During the conversation, according to Russian agencies, Witkoff expressed hope that Putin would consider resuming trilateral Russia-US-Ukraine negotiations, which could be conducted at the level of technical expert groups. Thus, parallel to European coordination, work is underway to build a negotiating track directly with the Russian side.
