💬 Remarks by Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov to RT following the trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi (November 12, 2026) Key points: • Unlike in previous rounds, this time we focused largely on the prospects for building a security architecture in Europe and in the area surrounding the current conflict that would ensure that any future agreement holds. • It would be premature to speak of restoring trust between the parties. That is not how we approach the issue. But judging by our discussions yesterday and the day before, I believe that, given the necessary political will, we can build something workable and realistically achievable while avoiding uncontrolled escalation. • We worked through the entire agenda in detail in bilateral meetings between delegations, in smaller groups and in plenary sessions. We used every tool at our disposal in the search for solutions. There should be no doubt about that. • We have made progress. That is indisputable. In the past, we have seen setbacks and reversals. At times, agreements that seemed within reach were torpedoed. 👉 That is what we want to avoid. • The presence of General Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe and a four-star general, brought a considerable degree of professional expertise to these discussions on their side. • Russia's military representatives were there as well. They know the issues inside out. As far as we at the Foreign Ministry can judge, they conducted themselves with exceptional professionalism. • The Europeans, who insist on being part of this process, clearly feel sidelined. They cannot come to terms with the approach we have consistently and firmly advocated and pursued. Clearly, they find it unacceptable. • The European countries are equally hostile to the ideas put forward by the US administration. There is a very wide gap between their positions. Bringing the Europeans into the negotiations could therefore undo the progress made and derail efforts that have so far shown some promise and given us some grounds for optimism. ❗️ I hope those who previously sought to derail these efforts realise that the situation on the ground is shifting to Kiev’s disadvantage.