Zelensky: Europe Must Be Included in November Peace Talks

President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized on Tuesday, October 27th, the necessity for European nations to participate in forthcoming peace talks, cautioning that no European ally should be sidelined from decisions regarding the cessation of Russia's conflict with Ukraine. This stance emerged as preparations commenced for US-brokered discussions featuring Ukrainian, American, and Russian delegates in November.

These talks follow intensified diplomatic outreach between Moscow and European leaders. Zelensky made these remarks during an evening address, stating, "We expect a trilateral format in November, with Ukrainian, American, and Russian representatives." He reiterated Ukraine's insistence that Europe must play an active role, emphasizing that every European nation should have a say in the decisions.

The Ukrainian president's call for European involvement underscores Kyiv's demand that any resolution consider not only Ukraine's future but also the security concerns of Europe, which has been impacted by Russia's aggression. The upcoming trilateral negotiations are slated to occur in Abu Dhabi during the first half of November, as per statements from Moscow.

While the talks will involve a negotiating team rather than a summit of the three leaders, Zelensky's plea followed a notable phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. The call, initiated by Finland and Norway in consultation with Ukraine, took place in Helsinki on October 20th.

According to a joint statement from the Norwegian government, the Nordic leaders conveyed their messages directly to Putin regarding future negotiations and the urgency of ending the war. They stressed the war's dire consequences for European security and called for de-escalation. Støre and Stubb briefed Zelensky on the outcomes of the conversation.

Following the call with Putin, the Nordic leaders informed him of Russia's need to take tangible steps towards de-escalation, particularly by easing attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Zelensky expressed gratitude to the Nordic leaders for coordinating with Kyiv and supporting efforts to reinvolve Moscow in negotiations.

He also highlighted the Nordic countries' interest in fostering secure security arrangements with Russia. Moscow, on the other hand, acknowledged the participants' approval of plans to resume trilateral discussions in Abu Dhabi during the first half of November. The Kremlin reiterated its stance that any comprehensive settlement must account for Russia's security interests.

Zelensky informed the public about Ukraine's intensified diplomatic efforts with European partners while simultaneously pursuing additional military aid ahead of the anticipated negotiations.