At Trump’s request, Russia relishes the prospect of shaping Europe’s security architecture

At US urging, Russia was invited to discuss shaping a new European security framework during trilateral talks with Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi on 10 and 11 November. The article argues that this gives Moscow an opening to pursue its longstanding goal of a greater say over Europe’s security, while the war continues and European governments remain divided over their role in negotiations.

Russia’s chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, called the framework central to the talks; the only concrete outcome reported was the prospect of exchanging about 1,500 prisoners on each side. Russian diplomat Alexei Drobinin outlined possible mutual-defence arrangements, political agreements and non-aggression treaties, including with some NATO members. The article says Trump’s easing of pressure on Moscow may reduce incentives for a ceasefire, and reports that Russia is producing around 200 ballistic missiles a month while Ukraine lacks crucial Patriot interceptors.