‘No Decisions on Europe Without Europe’: Sybiha, Kallas Press Russia Ahead of Abu Dhabi

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas made it clear that Europe must play a direct role in efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine. They spoke out against Russia's earlier refusal to include European representatives in upcoming trilateral discussions in Abu Dhabi. The remarks came during a press conference on Nov.

6, following a CBSS ministerial meeting in Warsaw. Sybiha emphasized that there can be no decisions about Ukraine or Europe's security without the involvement of each. The trilateral meeting, including Russia, the US, and Europe, is set for Nov. 10-11. Ukraine is treating the meeting with utmost seriousness and has prioritized security guarantees, de-escalation in the Black Sea, an energy truce, the return of abducted Ukrainian children, and prisoner exchanges.

Kallas noted that Russia suffered heavy losses in October, with over 54,000 soldiers killed or wounded. Sybiha also pointed out that Ukraine's frontline positions are the strongest they've been in three years. Both ministers held separate talks with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski ahead of the trilateral meeting.

Sybiha praised Warsaw's leadership and realistic approach, describing Poland as a reliable ally and key logistics hub for Ukraine. The discussion centered on Ukraine's defense needs, including air and missile defense, in preparation for Russia's winter campaign. Diplomatic ties between Kyiv and Warsaw were strained earlier this year due to a dispute over naming a military unit after the UPA.

However, both sides have since agreed to continue dialogue and have resumed joint exhumation work in Volhynia.