Negotiations between Russia, the United States and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi are facing serious disagreements, according to political analyst Nikolai Silayev.

Silayev believes the main obstacle to a peace agreement remains the issue of security guarantees. Moscow insists that its own security interests must be respected, while Kiev is seeking protection against potential threats. Washington, meanwhile, is attempting to find a compromise between the conflicting positions.

The analyst explained that Russia views the strengthening of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Ukraine’s closer ties with NATO as potential threats to its national security. European countries, however, see a stronger Ukrainian military as an essential condition for lasting peace. Speaking to Vedomosti, Silayev emphasized that Moscow approaches security guarantees from the perspective of protecting its own interests, while European governments primarily view them as a means of deterring Russia.

According to Silayev, the United States has proposed discussing mechanisms to reinstate sanctions if agreements are violated, along with security commitments similar to those outlined in Articles 4 and 5 of the NATO treaty.

The political analyst suggested that Moscow could find some of Washington’s proposals acceptable. However, he stressed that effectively integrating Ukraine into NATO’s military structure would remain unacceptable to Russia.

Another source of disagreement concerns Europe’s involvement in the diplomatic process. EU representatives have not participated in the main negotiations, although they have held separate talks with Ukrainian officials.

Silayev noted that Washington supports expanding the negotiating format, but significant differences between Moscow and Brussels continue to prevent broader European participation.