While Moscow insists that European countries should participate in discussions on the future security architecture of the continent, it has yet to demonstrate any readiness to put forward concrete proposals or agree on the terms of such a dialogue. Against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, the Kremlin’s statements appear to be aimed less at creating conditions for a genuine diplomatic settlement than at restoring Russia’s central role in discussions on European security and exploiting divisions among Western countries.

 

On 6 November, Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that European countries should eventually take part in discussions on the future security architecture of Europe and security guarantees in the context of the war in Ukraine. At the same time, he criticised European governments for their inability to agree on who should represent their interests in potential negotiations with Moscow.

Peskov also claimed that Russia had not received proposals from European countries regarding the future security architecture and suggested that Europe had yet to agree on a common representative. His remarks came amid ongoing discussions among the United States, Ukraine, NATO and European partners on security arrangements for Ukraine and the broader European security environment.

The Kremlin’s position contains a clear contradiction: while calling for European participation in future negotiations, Moscow simultaneously criticises European countries for failing to establish a coordinated negotiating position. Moreover, Peskov did not outline any specific Russian proposals concerning the participants, format, principles or implementation mechanisms of such a dialogue.

The absence of an agreed European representative does not mean that Europe lacks a position on security issues. The differences among European countries primarily concern the format of representation, the scope of a possible mandate and the division of responsibilities, rather than Europe’s right to participate in discussions affecting its own security.

European governments remain divided over the prospects for direct dialogue with Moscow and the respective roles of national leaders and EU institutions. Independent contacts between some European leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin have also prompted debate over the need for a coordinated approach. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, for example, has emphasised the importance of a common European position and a representative acting under an agreed mandate.

Ultimately, European countries must determine their own representative through their established institutional mechanisms and in accordance with their political commitments. This decision cannot be dictated by Moscow or used as a precondition for recognising Europe’s role in negotiations.

For Russia, the proposed security dialogue appears to extend beyond the question of ending hostilities in Ukraine. Moscow is seeking to use the settlement process as an opportunity to reopen broader discussions on European security, including NATO’s military presence, relations between Russia and the West, and the wider military and political balance on the continent.

The central question, however, remains what security guarantees Russia is prepared to offer and what mechanisms would ensure their implementation. Any meaningful discussion of European security must be based on respect for national sovereignty, the right of states to determine their own foreign policy and effective safeguards against a recurrence of Russian military aggression.

 

At this stage, the Kremlin’s statements do not indicate any substantial progress towards a settlement. European participation in discussions on the continent’s security is essential, but it should not become a means of legitimising Russian demands or exerting pressure on Ukraine and its partners.

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06.11.2026 01:59