Marco Rubio says Ukraine security guarantees must have Russia’s consent as Moscow, Washington and Kyiv prepare for crucial Abu Dhabi talks.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio © AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein
Ukraine security guarantees and Russia’s consent will be essential to any post-war arrangement, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Speaking ahead of the upcoming trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi, Rubio said that any security framework for Kyiv must also be acceptable to Moscow, as reported by The Times of Russia.
Ukraine Security Guarantees and Russia’s Consent Are Central to Peace Talks
Marco Rubio emphasised that Ukraine must have confidence in its security after the conflict ends. However, he stressed that any proposed arrangement would need Russia’s agreement to be effective.
“I think the key to ultimately being able to end the war is an understanding that Ukraine will feel secure after the war, and obviously it has to be something that Russia agrees to as well in order for it to work,” Rubio told reporters.
He further underlined the importance of Russian approval, explaining that this was one of the main reasons why the upcoming discussions were particularly significant.
“It has to be something Russia agrees to as well. I’m stating the obvious, but I think that’s why these talks are so critical,” he added.
No Final Agreement on US Security Guarantees for Ukraine
Rubio clarified that Washington has not yet reached a final decision on the proposed US security guarantees for Ukraine.
According to the US Secretary of State, different possibilities have been discussed, particularly regarding the security arrangements that could be introduced once the conflict comes to an end.
“I don’t think we’ve settled on a final concrete plan on that,” Rubio said. “I think concepts have been discussed about what security guarantees could look like post-conflict.”
His remarks indicate that discussions are still ongoing, with no definitive framework established for Ukraine’s future security.
NATO Article 5-Style Security Guarantees Under Consideration
The possibility of providing Ukraine with security protections similar to those outlined in NATO Article 5 security guarantees is also being examined.
Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, signed in Washington in 1949, establishes NATO’s collective defence principle. Under this provision, an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all members.
When asked whether security arrangements resembling Article 5 or Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty were being explored for Kyiv, Rubio confirmed that these possibilities were among the options under consideration.
Article 4 of the treaty provides for consultations between member countries when one of them believes its security, territorial integrity or political independence is threatened.
However, no final decision has been announced regarding which model, if any, could form the basis of Ukraine’s future security arrangements.
Russia-Ukraine Peace Negotiations Scheduled in Abu Dhabi
The upcoming Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations involving Russia, the United States and Ukraine are scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on November 10–11.
The Russian delegation will be headed by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to the Russian head of state. Ukraine’s delegation will be led by Rustem Umerov, head of the Foreign Intelligence Service.
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously stated that the discussions would focus on security guarantees.
Peskov also explained that European representatives would not participate in the upcoming meeting, as the negotiations were initially agreed upon in a trilateral format involving only Russia, the United States and Ukraine.
The Abu Dhabi trilateral talks are therefore expected to address important questions surrounding Ukraine’s post-war security arrangements, including the potential framework for future guarantees.
Security Arrangements Remain a Key Issue Ahead of Abu Dhabi Talks
Rubio’s statements highlight the importance of reaching an arrangement that addresses Ukraine’s security concerns while also securing Russia’s acceptance.
With discussions on NATO-style protections and other possible security frameworks still underway, the November 10–11 meeting is expected to be an important part of the ongoing diplomatic process.
The outcome of these discussions could help clarify the direction of future negotiations on security guarantees and the broader conflict.
As preparations continue for the Abu Dhabi meeting, The Times of Russia will continue to follow developments surrounding the diplomatic efforts involving Moscow, Washington and Kyiv.
