On November 3rd, local time, Russian President's Press Secretary Peskov stated that Europe cannot participate in the negotiations on Ukraine that are to take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE. When asked about the possibility of European participation in the talks, he said outright, "No, these negotiations are not possible, because what we are discussing is a pre-agreed tripartite framework. In other words, Russia and Ukraine will participate, with the United States acting as the mediator."
But he also added that Russia will eventually need to engage in dialogue with European countries regarding the future security system of Europe. “But for now, it’s necessary to clarify who Russia actually wants to have a dialogue with. For a long time, Europe has failed to decide who has the right to represent it in discussions with Russia.”
Earlier that day, Peskov confirmed that a tripartite negotiation between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine will take place in Abu Dhabi from November 10 to 11. This will be the first substantive renegotiation between the three parties since the negotiations were stalled in February due to U.S. mediation.
Peskov revealed that Moscow will once again send a delegation led by President's Assistant Vladimir Medinsky. He also stated that the principle of the indivisibility of security is the cornerstone of Russia's stance on the Ukraine issue.
He further explained that the Abu Dhabi tripartite talks will discuss security issues and matters related to security guarantees, and emphasized that ‘the security of one country cannot be achieved at the expense of the security of another country’.
On the same day, at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Merz, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy insisted that a ceasefire alone cannot ensure lasting peace. He emphasized that Ukraine needs security support from both Europe and the United States. Therefore, Europe must be involved in the negotiations. "If Europe is not at the negotiating table, sustainable peace will not be possible."
Mertz also stated that Europe must have a say in the sanctions against Russia and post-war security issues. Germany expects European representatives to attend the meeting in Abu Dhabi, although they are unlikely to have a significant role in the discussions. At the same time, he expressed doubts about Russia's sincerity in seeking a ceasefire.
In addition, the spokesperson of the European Union on the 3rd stated that representatives from the EU, the United States and Ukraine will meet in Brussels on the 4th to conduct preliminary negotiations.
Meanwhile, the White House announced on the 3rd that representatives from Russia and Ukraine would arrive at the White House on Thursday (the 5th). At that time, First Lady Melania Trump will speak about the partial ceasefire reached in Aleishki. However, the White House did not disclose the specific list of representatives.
