European states condition Russia security talks on Ukraine peace

Nearly 40 European states agreed in Dublin to hold security talks with Russia only after the Ukraine war ends. The declaration links future dialogue to the restoration of peace in Europe. The French-initiated text, signed by 39 countries, supports discussions on risk management mechanisms but conditions them on peace. It reaffirms that Ukraine's security cannot be decided without Ukraine, and emphasizes robust security guarantees for Kyiv. Russia criticized the European stance, noting no negotiator has been appointed. Bulgaria was the only EU state refusing to sign, while Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Switzerland also abstained.