Ahead of the expected US-mediated Ukraine-Russia talks in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Moscow has leveled harsh accusations against European countries. Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu stated that they welcome Washington's peace initiatives, while accusing Kyiv and Europe of making preparations to prolong the war.
The talks, which are expected to last two days, are seen as a new diplomatic attempt to end the most devastating war Europe has experienced since World War II. The parties last sat at the table in February, also mediated by the US, but the talks did not yield any concrete progress.
Clashes continue along the 1200-kilometer front line ahead of the negotiations. While both sides are conducting attacks with drones and long-range missiles, it is noted that Russia has increased its attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, especially during the winter months.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that many cities and settlements are facing very difficult conditions regarding electricity, water, and heating. Zelenskyy also announced that they have agreed with the European Union to activate a "special emergency mechanism."
PRAISE FOR TRUMP, REACTION TO EUROPE FROM MOSCOW
On the Russian side, the responsibility for the war was placed on Kyiv and European countries. Stating that US President Donald Trump and his team have shown "real effort and interest" regarding peace in Ukraine, Shoigu said, "We definitely appreciate this."
In contrast, Shoigu accused European countries of engaging in provocations in Russian border regions. The Russian official claimed that "Kyiv and its European sponsors are definitely making preparations not for peace, but for the continuation of the war."
One of the targets of Moscow's reaction was the Coalition of Volunteers exercise, in which approximately 2,800 soldiers from 11 countries, including Turkey and Germany, participated. The exercise, called "KOALICJA 2026," which will be held in Poland, in Romanian airspace, and in the western part of the Black Sea, is planned to continue until November 22.
It is stated that the exercise aims to test how lasting peace can be maintained in Ukraine after a possible peace agreement. Russia, however, argues that these exercises are offensive in nature, not defensive. Shoigu stated that NATO's military budget has increased from 500 billion dollars to approximately 1 trillion dollars, claiming that this was done on the pretext of a "threat from Russia."
SECURITY GUARANTEES ON THE TABLE
One of the most important topics of the talks in Abu Dhabi is expected to be security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelenskyy had previously announced that he was discussing security assurances similar to NATO's Article 5 with his allies. The article in question is based on the principle that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members.
There are differing statements from the parties regarding whether the European Union will participate in the talks. While the EU maintains that it will be at the table, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the contacts in Abu Dhabi would be held in a "trilateral" format between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by the US.
Some European countries are raising the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine to maintain peace and prevent Russia from attacking again if the war ends. Russia, on the other hand, warns that it will consider any European military presence on Ukrainian soil a legitimate target.
In an interview published on Sunday, Trump said that Moscow and Kyiv were "very close" to a deal; however, he stated that "in the end, Ukraine's shape will be a little different." Trump had also announced that they were working on a "big deal" regarding European security following his meeting at the White House with Kirill Dmitriev, the Special Representative of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
News Source: 12punto
