The key facts
- Jared Kushner's remarks about the need to take into account the security interests of all parties came as a surprise to European Union representatives
- A number of European states oppose discussing a new security architecture within the Ukraine talks
- Kaja Kallas stated that Brussels sees no need to create a new security system
Alarm in European capitals
The US administration's proposal to discuss a new European security system with Russia's participation has raised concern among European officials. According to the Financial Times, the statements of US President's son-in-law Jared Kushner came as a surprise to European Union representatives. Sources at the newspaper say that in European capitals there are fears of a broader agreement between Washington and Moscow that could affect the interests of EU countries without their full participation.
Brussels' position
The cause for concern was Kushner's remarks about the need to take into account the security interests of all parties in resolving the conflict in Ukraine. According to the FT, the US administration is considering arrangements that go beyond a ceasefire, but a number of European states oppose discussing a new security architecture within the peace talks: in their view, decisions affecting Europe's defense cannot be made without the participation of the Europeans themselves. This position was also confirmed by a European Commission representative whose name the outlet did not disclose.
Kallas against a new system
A similar position was earlier taken by the EU's chief diplomat Kaja Kallas. At a press conference in Warsaw, she stated that NATO and the EU already exist in Europe, so Brussels sees no need to create a new security system during talks with Russia and the US.
Context of the talks
The disagreements arose on the eve of talks between Russia, Ukraine and the US in Abu Dhabi, scheduled for November 10–11. European representatives are seeking to strengthen their influence on the diplomatic process, but EU countries do not yet have a unified position on the format of participation. Meanwhile, as Life.ru reported, Kushner himself described the consultations on the Ukrainian settlement in Brussels as productive: according to him, the US discussed two interrelated issues with Ukraine, NATO and European partners — security guarantees for Kyiv and a broader security architecture in Europe.
