Putin Uses Peace Talks to Push New European Security Order

Russian President Vladimir Putin is using peace talks to revive Moscow's ambitions for a new European security order that would justify its invasion of Ukraine, according to Ukrainian media reports on negotiations held in Abu Dhabi. The Russian delegation demanded an end to NATO expansion, a reduction of the alliance's military presence in countries that joined after 1997, and limits on NATO cooperation with Ukraine and other post-Soviet states. Kremlin-linked experts call the US willingness to discuss these issues "revolutionary," while analysts say Putin needs negotiations on a broader security architecture rather than just a peace deal. The EU rejects any changes to the continent's strategic balance, arguing Russia destroyed it by invading Ukraine. Russian proposals include collective defense alliances, non-support agreements, and bilateral non-aggression pacts, while Ukraine would be barred from reclaiming occupied territories or receiving significant Western military support.