Zelenskyy to Seek European Role in Upcoming US-Russia-Ukraine Talks
Ukraine plans to engage in technical negotiations in early November even if European nations are absent, with the goal of securing future security guarantees.
By Layla Petrov ·
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the country will participate in scheduled technical talks with the United States and Russia next month, regardless of whether European representatives are present. The meeting is expected to occur between November 6 and 10. Zelenskyy spoke during a press conference with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. He stated that Kyiv is using every available opportunity to advance negotiations toward peace.
The upcoming session will involve technical groups from the United States, Russia, and Ukraine. Zelenskyy did not directly confirm that Europe would be excluded from the discussions. However, he emphasized that European nations must be involved in the broader negotiation process. He noted that Russia has not supported European participation in the talks. Despite this, Zelenskyy argued that Europe will be essential for providing security guarantees and leading reconstruction efforts for Ukraine.
"First and foremost, this will be a trilateral meeting of technical groups: the United States, Russia and Ukraine. But you know that we have been working from the very beginning on how to involve Europe," Zelenskyy said. He added that the trilateral format is not new. The format was previously blocked but has now been unblocked. He expressed hope that Ukraine will find a way to include Europe in the discussions. "Ultimately, we are talking about security guarantees for Ukraine. I do not see this happening without Europe. After all, we are talking about reconstruction."
When asked why Ukraine would agree to a format that excludes Europeans, the president replied that Kyiv does not want to miss the chance to meet. "Of course, I think it is important for Europe to be there. But if the Americans say no, [and that] this time we will only have a trilateral meeting, we will not ruin this opportunity to meet. Because we need to move this process towards peace in any format," he said.
Zelenskyy indicated that clarity is still needed on who will represent Europe in the negotiations. An aide to the Russian leader, Ushakov, stated that the European side would not participate in the trilateral technical talks. Zelenskyy said that a conversation between European leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin suggests Russia is serious about a meeting of negotiating teams in Abu Dhabi. The decision on whether the early November meeting will take place currently rests with the United States.
The president stressed that the primary goal is to move the process toward peace. He maintained that Ukraine is working to involve Europe from the start of the negotiations. The technical groups will meet to discuss ending the war. Zelenskyy confirmed that the trilateral format remains the current plan for the upcoming session.
