Kathrine Frich
When asked about US envoy Jared Kushner’s idea to use the Russia-NATO Council as a blueprint for future European security, Peskov shut down speculation.
When maps are redrawn by conflict, the arguments at the bargaining table change completely.
Diplomats often spend months debating who even gets a chair in the room.
This week, a blunt message from Moscow made it clear that old borders are no longer up for debate.
Reality on the ground
Ahead of fresh peace talks, the Kremlin is doubling down on its territorial claims. At a Monday briefing summarized by the Russian state news agency TASS, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov argued that years of fighting have permanently altered the map.
Speaking to reporters, he insisted that “As for the shape of Ukraine, from a geographical point of view, it is already a different country. The realities on the ground are obvious, and hardly anyone can deny it.”
That tough stance sets the stage for upcoming negotiations in Abu Dhabi. According to TASS, Peskov confirmed that the UAE gathering will strictly follow a three-way format involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States as a mediator.
European leaders will not have a seat at that table. Still, Peskov noted in remarks carried by TASS that Washington and Kyiv have their own channels to keep European capitals updated, adding that
“They are apparently already putting their own coordination mechanism in place. But let me repeat: the negotiations in Abu Dhabi will be trilateral.”
No public models
Behind the scenes, wider questions about continental safety remain unresolved. When asked about US envoy Jared Kushner’s idea to use the Russia-NATO Council as a blueprint for future European security, Peskov shut down speculation.
He told TASS simply that “We will not discuss any models in public.”
Meanwhile, an even larger diplomatic test could take place soon in the Pacific region. According to TASS, aides in Moscow, Beijing, and Washington are currently trading agenda proposals for a potential three-way meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
That sideline gathering would bring Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and US President Donald Trump face to face.
Peskov told TASS that a wide range of global issues could come up, predicting that “The meeting will certainly be interesting, indeed. And of course, it will attract the attention of everyone around the world.”
