Zelensky Warns Europe Over US-Russia Talks on New Security Framework

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged European leaders to closely monitor discussions between the United States and Russia over a proposed new security arrangement for Europe, warning that the negotiations could have far-reaching implications for the continent.

Zelensky issued the warning on Thursday while addressing a summit in Dublin, Ireland, where he expressed concern that discussions initially linked to security guarantees for Ukraine could develop into a broader agreement between Washington and Moscow.

He said European countries needed to be involved in decisions affecting their security rather than allow major arrangements to be discussed without their participation.

“It’s not just about security guarantees for Ukraine. In fact, it’s more about some kind of new security framework between Europe and Russia,” Zelensky said.

“We are waiting for more details, and Europe needs to pay close attention.”

His remarks came as United States envoys travelled to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, following two days of negotiations in Abu Dhabi that ended without a breakthrough towards ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The discussions have raised concerns among European leaders after US representatives suggested the possibility of developing a new security architecture for the continent as part of the negotiations.

The proposal has fuelled fears in Europe that Washington could reach an understanding with Moscow over European security arrangements without adequately consulting its allies.

Russian President Putin has repeatedly called for changes to the existing European security framework, including restrictions on NATO’s military presence and further expansion of the alliance.

Before launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow presented NATO with demands that included the withdrawal of allied forces from Eastern Europe and a halt to the admission of new members.

The demands were rejected by NATO.

Reacting to the renewed discussions, European Council President Antonio Costa said there was no need to create an entirely new security arrangement for the continent.

“There is no need to reinvent the wheel,” Costa said.

He argued that Europe previously had a functioning security framework before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine undermined and ultimately destroyed the existing arrangements.

European Union leaders have maintained that discussions about the continent’s future security architecture should not take precedence over efforts to secure an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

At the Dublin summit, French President Emmanuel Macron disclosed that France had secured the support of about 40 European countries for a declaration reaffirming fundamental principles governing European security.

A draft of the declaration, seen by AFP, stated that Europe’s security remained anchored in existing international agreements, including the United Nations Charter and NATO’s founding treaty.

It also emphasised that decisions affecting European security must involve European countries.

The declaration stated that “any issue affecting European security must be decided in consultation with the Europeans”.

The renewed diplomatic discussions come amid continuing disagreements over the future of Ukraine, NATO’s role in European security and the extent to which Russia should influence the continent’s security arrangements.

Zelensky’s warning underscores Kyiv’s concern that any agreement between Washington and Moscow could affect Ukraine and the wider European security environment without sufficient involvement from the countries directly concerned.