Leaked Document Details Russian Negotiating Demands for Ukraine War Termination

A leaked non-paper from November 10, 2026, reveals the specific negotiating position presented by Russian officials during closed talks in Abu Dhabi regarding the termination of the war in Ukraine. The document outlines several stringent conditions for peace, including significant military withdrawals and restrictions on international alliances.

The negotiations in Abu Dhabi included representatives from the United States, Russia, and Ukraine. US General Alexis Greenewich also participated in the discussions. These talks represent the first instance of direct negotiations between the parties since February.

Russian military and security demands

According to the leaked document, Russia demands that NATO withdraw all troops and military infrastructure to their 1997 positions. This demand for withdrawal specifically includes NATO presence in Poland and the Baltic states, which consist of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Furthermore, Russia demands that NATO cease all future expansion and halt all military activities in Ukraine, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia.

The Russian position also requires a complete halt to all Western supplies of arms and military equipment to Ukraine. Additionally, Russia requests that the United Kingdom and France commit to not using nuclear weapons in the defense of other European countries. Russian officials suggested that a post-war European security order should be based on the Cold War and Warsaw Pact model of defined spheres of influence.

Conditions for European integration

The document addresses the potential for Ukraine to join the European Union. Russia would accept Ukraine's membership in the European Union only on the condition that Ukraine does not participate in the common defense policy of the bloc. This condition would effectively prevent the European Union from engaging in collective military defense actions involving Ukraine.

Yuri Ushakov, the Foreign Policy Advisor to Vladimir Putin, stated that the 2021 Russian proposal still reflects the approach of the Russian government toward European security. This suggests that the current demands remain consistent with previous Russian strategic objectives.

Recent diplomatic engagements

The leaked document surfaced following a series of high-level diplomatic meetings involving United States officials. US special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday, November 13, 2026. Following the Abu Dhabi negotiations, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Dublin.

Diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration have continued for 20 months. Looking ahead, a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin is expected to take place next week in Shenzhen, China. While the leaked document is described as a draft or non-paper rather than a final official Russian document, it provides a clear indication of the current Russian negotiating stance.

Glossary

• NATO — NATO is an alliance that provides security support. It is an organization that can offer invitations to enter intensified dialogue programmes.
• European Union — The European Union is a bloc that includes a common defense policy. It is an organization that considers the accession of states for future enlargement.
• Baltic states — The Baltic states consist of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Their geographic location made communication to the West of circumstances there difficult.
• Latvia — Latvia is a country that allows dual citizenship for citizens of certain EU, NATO, and EFTA member countries. It also allows dual citizenship for citizens of Australia, Brazil, and New Zealand, among others.