MOSCOW, November 3. /TASS/. The upcoming trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi will be centered around mutual security guarantees for Russia and Ukraine, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Vesti television in a comment.
Russia will sooner or later have to negotiate a future security system in Europe with the Europeans, but it will need to understand who will be the negotiator, he argued.
Answering a TASS question, the Kremlin spokesman said that it is not yet known who will represent Russia at a meeting between Russian and Ukrainian representatives that US First Lady Melania Trump plans to convene.
TASS has summarized the Kremlin spokesman’s key statements.
On Abu Dhabi talks
According to Peskov, mutual security guarantees for Russia and Ukraine will be discussed at the trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi: "The talks will cover security issues, including security guarantees. These can only be mutual."
The principle of indivisible security is a cornerstone of Russia’s position on settling the Ukraine conflict: "You know that the issue of indivisible security is a cornerstone of our position. That is, the security of one state cannot be ensured to the detriment of the security of another country. As for nuances, this is a theme for negotiations behind closed doors."
Peskov ruled out the possibility of Europe taking part in the Abu Dhabi talks on Ukraine as a trilateral format was originally agreed: "No, it would be impossible [to join] these negotiations as a trilateral format was coordinated. That is between Russia and Ukraine with US mediation."
Russia’s delegation to the trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi will include officials from various government structures, including the Foreign Ministry: "It will include representatives from various agencies, including the Foreign Ministry. It will be led by Medinsky."
On meeting between Russia, Ukrainian representatives in White House
It is not yet known who will represent Russia at a meeting between Russian and Ukrainian representatives that US First Lady Melania Trump plans to convene on November 5: "There is no information on that yet."
On dialogue with Europe
Russia will sooner or later enter into dialogue on a future security system in Europe with European countries, but understating who will act as a negotiator there is key, Peskov argued: "Sooner or later, that makes no difference, of course, because we will discuss a security system in Europe, and a future security system, which will be an essential element of a settlement, and we will need a conversation with the Europeans. I wish we could understand who to engage with over there."
Meanwhile, the complicated process of selecting officials authorized to hold talks with Russia will continue in Europe: "As for the Europeans, it is taking them too long to decide who has the right to speak with us. They have to ask for permission first and consult with one another."
On Ice Hockey World Championships
Many countries would be capable of hosting the next Ice Hockey World Championship if Germany, the current host, follows through on its threat to exclude the Russian team: "This means that, if the federation so wishes, it will hold the tournament in another country. "After all, there are plenty of countries.".