Europeans set conditions for security talks with Russia

39 European states agreed in Dublin on common security principles, declaring that talks with Russia about European security order will only occur after the Ukraine war ends. The declaration links any dialogue to the restoration of peace in Europe. The French-initiated text, titled "Declaration on Central Principles of European Security," emphasizes that decisions about Ukraine cannot be made without Ukraine, and European security cannot be decided without Europeans. It reaffirms robust security guarantees for Ukraine and addresses military risks and hybrid threats like sabotage and disinformation. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stressed NATO's role in securing the post-war situation. Russia has previously demanded limits on NATO presence near its borders. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized the European stance, noting Moscow sees no willingness to discuss future security systems and that Europeans haven't appointed a negotiator. Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Switzerland didn't sign, while Bulgaria was the only EU state to refuse.