The key facts
- Lavrov called separate US contacts with Ukraine and Europe an unpromising form of work, but assured that Moscow does not obstruct them
- The US warned Russia in advance about such meetings before the talks in Abu Dhabi
- The agenda of the talks is broader than the Ukrainian conflict: security parameters for Russia, Ukraine, and Europe
Moscow's assessment
Moscow sees little prospect in separate consultations between Washington and European countries on the Ukrainian settlement, but it does not intend to prevent American diplomats from holding such meetings. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a press conference with CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov, as reported by Life.ru.
What is known about the negotiation format
According to the minister, US representatives warned Moscow in advance that before meeting with the Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi they intended to talk separately with their Ukrainian and European counterparts. “I do not think this is a promising form of work, but we cannot and do not want to prevent the Americans from talking to whomever they see fit,” Lavrov emphasized. He also ironically suggested that American negotiators expect to receive from the Europeans an additional commitment to achieving a sustainable peace — that, he said, is how Washington explains the need for preliminary contacts.
Agenda and course of the talks
Lavrov clarified that the talks in Abu Dhabi are devoted not only to settling the Ukrainian conflict: the agenda also includes discussion of the parameters of a future security system for Russia, Ukraine, and the entire European region. Meanwhile, the first day of the trilateral talks has officially concluded — the parties consulted for more than four hours and intend to continue their discussions on November 11, as evidenced by the announcement of the conclusion of the first day of talks in Abu Dhabi.
