Russia demands NATO retrench in Ukraine peace talks

European security thrust into the heart of closed-door negotiations

Wars · 5 sources · November 13, 2026 at 4:26 PM

Russian officials in closed-door negotiations are reviving demands that NATO retrench as a condition for any Ukraine deal, according to the New York Times. National security advisers from the EU and five major powers — Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and Poland — will represent Europe in the talks. Jared Kushner said the US cannot reach a deal without Europe. Estonia warned of Russian 'mind games' over the new security demands, while around 40 countries are expected to assert that European security must be decided with Europeans.

“The hard-line position of Russian officials in closed-door negotiations about ending the war thrusts European security into the heart of the talks.”