# Security Guarantees and the Stumbling Blocks of Ukraine Peace Talks Complex security demands and conflicting definitions of victory complicate ongoing mediation efforts in Abu Dhabi. - **Source:** [Sky News Arabia](https://www.skynewsarabia.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/63740acc-02b0-4556-aca8-6ef3b7e2db44 ## Core Conflict Over Security Security guarantees remain the primary obstacle to ending the war in Ukraine. Kyiv fears Moscow will exploit any truce lacking direct negotiations, while Russia insists on a framework addressing its own security concerns. This fundamental divergence tests the ability of Abu Dhabi-based mediation to transition from ceasefire talks to lasting peace. ## The Role of Mediation The Abu Dhabi talks serve as a critical platform for addressing mutual fears, bolstered by trust in US and Emirati mediation. Emad Abu Al-Rub highlights the success of previous humanitarian efforts, such as prisoner exchanges. Kyiv prioritizes these tangible steps as essential indicators of progress before tackling broader, more complex geopolitical issues. ## European Involvement and Tensions Europe has become a central party due to its support for Ukrainian sovereignty and regional security concerns. Moscow views this European role with deep suspicion, seeking to neutralize or bypass it. Experts suggest that any viable dialogue must either include these stakeholders in joint meetings or utilize separate, parallel diplomatic tracks. ## Phased Negotiation Strategy Experts propose a phased approach, starting with a partial truce to facilitate Black Sea trade and shipping. By focusing on specific, achievable goals, negotiators can keep the diplomatic door open even if major issues remain deadlocked. This method aims to prevent total collapse if initial rounds fail to resolve core territorial disputes. ## Defining Victory and Demands The parties hold conflicting definitions of victory, complicating the negotiation process. Moscow defines success as preventing Ukraine’s NATO membership, while Kyiv views national survival and territorial integrity as its primary achievement. Analysts urge both sides to document their demands clearly before talks to prevent shifting positions that hinder meaningful progress. ## Russian Security Concerns Yevgeny Sidorov argues that European focus on Ukrainian security ignores Moscow’s core anxiety regarding NATO expansion toward its western borders. He suggests that previous assurances failed to alleviate these fears. Consequently, calls for Russia’s strategic military defeat only increase the difficulty of reaching a sustainable settlement acceptable to the Kremlin leadership. ## Proposed Institutional Frameworks Proposals such as Jared Kushner’s idea to revive the Russia-NATO Council are being considered as potential mechanisms for dialogue. While Ukraine may secure guarantees from Western powers, Sidorov doubts that the EU or NATO can provide the specific security assurances Russia demands. This gap remains a significant hurdle for any comprehensive agreement. ## Outlook for Future Talks Moscow may be willing to discuss a joint security mechanism if formally proposed in Abu Dhabi. However, progress remains contingent on visible signs of commitment from both sides in each round. Analysts remain skeptical of Russian troop withdrawals or major changes to Moscow’s stated demands, emphasizing the need for incremental humanitarian progress. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.skynewsarabia.com/world/1903443-%D8%B6%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1%D8%A8-%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B0%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%AB%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D8%B3%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A3%D8%B2%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A7 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._