„No, as yet we do not have any detailed information about what this new European security architecture is all about,“ Matulionis told Žinių Radijas on Tuesday.
As reported by ELTA, last week Mr Trump announced that he had met with Kremlin negotiator Kirill Dmitriev in Washington. He did not disclose any details about the content of their discussion, but hinted that an agreement could be reached regarding the war in Ukraine, one that would encompass „not only Ukraine“
According to Matulionis, Moscow may once again attempt to issue demands directed at NATO and the United States (US).
„Russia always talks about some hypothetical new European security architecture, but we suspect and feel that it is in Russia’s interest to return to the proposal that was put forward to NATO and the United States in December 2021. Essentially, this would mean that the NATO alliance would be divided into two parts: states that have full rights and the ability to have allied forces, and those from which allied forces would be withdrawn,“ he said.
„This would create a two-tier system of NATO membership, affecting fourteen countries. This proposal was categorically rejected as unacceptable in early 2022, whilst I was still working at NATO. If these are the intentions, then I believe the outcome will be exactly the same now,“ said Matulionis.
On Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the United States will meet for the first time in more than nine months to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.
However, according to Matulionis, it is unlikely that a significant breakthrough will be achieved in these talks.
„We are saying very clearly that peace must be sought in Ukraine. The Ukrainians are truly weary, and they need peace. And if there were even the slightest gesture of goodwill – say, a move towards a ceasefire in the energy sector between Russia and Ukraine – that would certainly be a first positive step. But even that, I am convinced, will not happen in Abu Dhabi. There will be some talk, perhaps some abstract promises made here and there, but there will be no real breakthrough. Of course, if I am wrong, I would certainly be delighted,“ said the president’s adviser.
Since returning to power, Mr Trump has been calling for an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine, but previous negotiations have failed to produce a breakthrough, and the peace process has been overshadowed by the US and Israel’s war with Iran.