US asks Russia to prepare new security draft for Europe
Washington wants Moscow to outline demands and concrete measures to lower tensions; envoys Witkoff and Kushner flew to Moscow after Abu Dhabi talks.
The United States has asked Russia to draw up a new draft security agreement for Europe that would list not only Moscow's demands but also concrete steps it is willing to take to lower tensions, according to two sources familiar with the matter.
For years Moscow has pushed for a treaty that would curb NATO enlargement and reduce the alliance's military footprint in Eastern Europe. Those demands were rejected by Washington in the past, but US officials now appear prepared to consider them in some form as part of a broader package aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
Envoys travel to Moscow after Abu Dhabi talks
Following two days of talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to Moscow to meet with Vladimir Putin today. They are scheduled to speak with Volodymyr Zelensky afterwards.
Witkoff and Kushner are also seeking to bring European participants into future discussions on Ukraine — a development the Kremlin has so far resisted.
It remains unclear what a formal draft would include or whether Moscow would accept limits proposed by Western officials; diplomats and analysts say any movement would require intensive negotiations and verification mechanisms.
Photo: DPA)
