The United States has asked Russia to propose a new security agreement with Europe as President Trump pushes diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The proposal is part of Washington’s strategy to build a long-term security framework for Europe and bring Russia and Ukraine closer to a peace deal.
Axios reported on Wednesday Nov. 11 that the US wants Moscow to spell out “possible measures” to ease tensions with European countries and address longstanding security issues. Sources familiar with the talks said the US wanted Moscow to do that.
Trump Envoys Expected to Meet Vladimir Putin
US President Donald Trump’s special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to travel to Moscow on Thursday November 12 to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
At the meeting, the Americans will repeat Washington’s request for Russia to submit a new security proposal. They will also urge Putin to let European representatives take part in future talks on ending the Ukraine war.
The arrangement could address Russia’s concerns about NATO expansion and military presence in Eastern Europe. Moscow has argued repeatedly that NATO activities near its borders threaten Russian security.
But Washington’s readiness to consider a broader European security framework does not mean Russia’s demands have been met.
Abu Dhabi Talks Put Ukraine Peace Efforts Back in Focus
The latest diplomatic move comes after US-mediated talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11.
These talks were the first direct negotiations between the two countries with American mediators since February 2026.
US officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were also present along with military and diplomatic officials. Security guarantees, territorial disagreements and steps towards ending the conflict were discussed.
Although the meetings were described as an important diplomatic development, both countries are divided over major issues.
Russia still demands control of the whole Donbas region, Ukraine has refused to cede territory it considers part of its sovereign land.
Why does the US want a new Europe-Russia security agreement?
Washington thinks ending the war in Ukraine may mean addressing broader security issues between Russia and European countries.
Russia has long demanded restrictions on NATO expansion and a smaller military presence in Eastern Europe. These demands have caused disagreements between Moscow and Western governments.
The Trump administration is looking at whether a separate security arrangement could reduce tensions and create conditions for a long-term peace agreement.
Axios reported that the security framework would not be put in place until an agreement to end Ukraine war was reached.
Europe Raises Concerns Over the Proposal
European governments have worried that Washington and Moscow might be negotiating security arrangements without enough European participation.
European leaders say decisions on the security of the continent must be made by the countries directly affected.
There are also concerns that a new agreement would weaken NATO’s position or put more pressure on Ukraine to accept territorial concessions.
European diplomats have said the proposed framework is “very hard to sell” and has several open questions.
Can Trump's Peace Initiative End the Ukraine War?
Trump has repeatedly said that negotiations could end the Russia-Ukraine conflict but there are still differences between Moscow and Kyiv.
Ukraine needs strong international security guarantees to prevent a Russian invasion and Russia continues to push for changes to the European security arrangement.
The talks in Moscow could also clarify how much Russia is willing to participate in a broader framework.
For now the US initiative is just another attempt to link Ukraine peace negotiations with Europe’s long-term security. Whether it can produce a workable agreement will depend on how Russia, Ukraine and European governments take positions.
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