Abu Dhabi Diplomacy: Kremlin Excludes Europe From November Talks

Yuri Ushakov, a top foreign policy aide at the Kremlin, stated on Wednesday that European nations will not participate in the next round of Ukraine peace negotiations. The talks are scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi from November 6 to November 10.

Ushakov told Interfax news agency that the inclusion of European countries was not addressed during a 90-minute telephone conversation held on Tuesday. The call connected Russian President Vladimir Putin, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. Ushakov indicated that the trilateral format remains the primary focus for the upcoming sessions.

Stubb presented a conflicting narrative while addressing the Nordic Council in Helsinki. He asserted that European countries would be involved in the November meetings in the United Arab Emirates. This discrepancy leaves the exact composition of the negotiating table open to question ahead of the start date.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the timeline for the trilateral talks with Russia and the United States in a press conference held in the Netherlands on Wednesday. Zelenskyy expressed a desire for Europe to join the discussions, arguing that unity and increased pressure on Moscow are necessary components of the diplomatic effort.

Zelenskyy’s comments followed a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, who pledged an additional 500 million euros, or 556 million dollars, for military support during the winter. The funding is designated for drones and other material to reinforce Ukraine’s defenses. Zelenskyy is also scheduled to meet with Dutch King Willem-Alexander later in the day.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Dutch government unveiled a comprehensive support package valued at 1.2 billion euros, or 1.33 billion dollars, spanning the next three years. This includes a 40 million euro, or 44.5 million dollar, contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund by the end of the year. Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, the Dutch minister for foreign trade and development cooperation, stated during a visit to Kyiv that recovery support cannot wait for a ceasefire. He emphasized the need to keep energy systems, hospitals, and food production operational.

In a separate development, Zelenskyy acknowledged a new British support package worth 10 billion pounds, or 13.3 billion dollars, following a phone call with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Downing Street specified that the package includes 500 million pounds, or 665 million dollars, in additional military aid from the Ministry of Defence. This sum is intended to address urgent gaps in Ukraine’s air defenses for the winter season.