Russia Revives 1997 NATO Rollback Demand in Ukraine Talks as Trump Envoys Seek Deal
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Nov 13
Russia Revives 1997 NATO Rollback Demand in Ukraine Talks as Trump Envoys Seek Deal
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Nov 13
Summary
A Nov. 10 Russian non-paper circulated in Abu Dhabi revived Moscow’s demand that NATO pull troops and bases back to its 1997 footprint as part of any Ukraine settlement.
The document shows Putin has barely shifted after 20 months of Trump-led diplomacy, also seeking a halt to Western arms for Ukraine, no further NATO expansion, and limits on French and British nuclear protection.
U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff told Russian officials that conditions had changed since Moscow’s 2021 ultimatum and said any new proposal would need concrete Russian steps to reduce tensions.
Poland and other European leaders quickly rejected the terms as unacceptable, warning they would directly weaken the security of NATO’s eastern members, including the Baltics.
The hard-line opening position raises the stakes for Trump’s planned meeting with Putin next week in Shenzhen and underscores how far the sides remain from a compromise to end the war.
Will NATO sacrifice its eastern members to secure a controversial peace deal with Putin in Ukraine?
With Russia demanding a return to 1997 borders, what hidden concessions might be negotiated behind Europe's back?
Could a massive secret prisoner exchange be the first step toward dismantling Europe's post-Cold War security architecture?
The 2026 Abu Dhabi Peace Talks: Russia’s Push for a NATO Rollback and the Battle for Europe’s Security Order
Overview
The Abu Dhabi peace talks, brokered by U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, brought Russian and Ukrainian negotiators together for the first time in months and led to an agreement in principle for a major prisoner exchange. However, Russia used the summit to revive its demand for NATO to roll back to pre-1997 positions and halt expansion, refusing to meet directly with European envoys and mocking their role. In response, European nations increased support for Ukraine and insisted on direct participation in future talks. U.S. mediators traveled to Moscow, where President Putin agreed in principle to a four-way negotiation framework including Europe, highlighting the deep divisions and strategic maneuvering shaping the future of European security.