Russia has not softened its position on any of its core targets for its war against Ukraine, even after more than 20 months of diplomacy. This was made clear in a paper they circulated this week during renewed tripartite negotiations.
Economic offers from US special envoy Witkoff and Kushner have not moved Russian President Putin enough to make concessions, as Russia continues to demand that NATO restore its forces along its eastern flank in Poland and the Baltics.
In Abu Dhabi, Russian officials said they see the Cold War-era Warsaw Pact as the model for what European security could look like after the war against Ukraine ends.
However, US officials have urged the Russians to look to the future, with EUCOM chief General Greenkich pushing Russian officials in Abu Dhabi to explain their concerns in Europe.