EU leaders reject Russia's security plan, demand seat at Ukraine talks

European leaders rejected Russia's initiative to reform the continent's security architecture, insisting such matters cannot be discussed without EU participation. The rejection came amid peace talks on Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warning allies that Russia and the US are already discussing the issue. US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Vladimir Putin in Moscow on November 11 following talks in Abu Dhabi, where the Russian delegation raised European security mechanisms while refusing to meet European officials. EU Council President Antonio Costa stated Europe had a functioning security architecture until Russia's invasion of Ukraine destroyed it. Zelensky called the approach "somewhat strange," noting discussions between Americans and Russians concern a new security system between Europe and Russia. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe should only discuss security architecture after Russia agrees to a ceasefire, while officials expressed concern that broader security talks could become the price for a seat at Ukraine negotiations.