Zelenskyy warns against ‘Yalta 2’ in European security discussions

Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of the danger of discussing a new European security system instead of concrete steps to end the war. Strana published this account of his remarks on CNN on November 6, 2026. According to the president’s words as quoted by the outlet, Kyiv does not want ‘Yalta 2’ or Russia dividing Europe.

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According to that report, Zelenskyy said he saw no signals that Moscow was ready to end the war. He linked the risk to an attempt to start the discussion with a new security infrastructure in Europe. The president stressed the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity and clarified that he was not speaking for the EU or NATO. The full original recording of these remarks was not available for verification during preparation of this article; the wording is relayed from the outlet’s publication.

The broadening of the American negotiating agenda itself is supported by CNN transcripts from November 6. The network reported Donald Trump’s comments the previous day, following his meeting with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev: the prospective agreement could involve not only Ukraine but all of Europe. This is an announcement of intentions, not a report of a completed deal.

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CNN also quoted the consultation objectives published by Jared Kushner: permanent security consultations, reliable crisis communications, greater military transparency, reciprocal measures to reduce escalation risks, and a lasting European security framework. The quoted statement separately calls for respect for every country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independent decision-making. Mechanisms for implementing these principles were not disclosed in the broadcast.

This is the central gap: a promise to consider all sides’ security does not yet answer how to stop the war and ensure compliance with agreements. CNN correspondent Nick Paton Walsh reported that three European officials he spoke to were unaware of these proposals. That does not establish that no consultations have taken place, but it does not support presenting the initiative as already agreed with Europe.

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The White House described a separate, narrower diplomatic outcome on November 5: Melania Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian and Russian representatives following a localized ceasefire in Oleshky. According to the US administration, the humanitarian operation enabled around 800 people to evacuate. That outcome cannot be equated with ending the war or an agreement on security for the entire continent.

CNN reported preparations for talks in Abu Dhabi the following week. For people still living under attack, the practical test of any new security architecture is not its name but the parties’ commitments to cease fire, monitoring procedures and action in response to violations. Those are the terms the negotiating parties still need to present publicly.