Zelenskyy Says Abu Dhabi Talks Should Lead to Putin Meeting

Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared from Berlin on Tuesday that he expects the United States-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi to clear the path for a direct face-to-face meeting with Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian president made the comments while standing beside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Zelenskyy framed the upcoming adviser-level sessions as a necessary step in ending the war, a conflict in which the two leaders have not spoken directly since February 2022.

The bilateral discussions between the two nations are set for November 10 and 11. Zelenskyy stated that he is counting on progress in this initial format, alongside other diplomatic moves, to open the door to a three-way meeting involving the heads of state. This expectation marks a shift in diplomatic strategy as the war enters its fifth year.

Chancellor Merz emphasized the need for Russia to engage seriously in negotiations regarding a ceasefire and a subsequent peace agreement. However, the German leader noted that he has not yet observed this level of commitment from the Russian side. Merz described the current process as tentative, indicating that trust remains low despite the scheduled meetings.

Zelenskyy’s visit to Berlin was kept under wraps for security reasons and was not announced in advance. Upon arrival, the Ukrainian president outlined the primary agenda items on the social media platform X. He identified diplomatic coordination, the strengthening of air defense systems, and support for Ukraine’s energy sector as the top priorities for his discussions with the German leadership.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff announced the new round of talks on Monday. Witkoff explained that the discussions would center on post-war security arrangements, de-escalation measures, humanitarian efforts, and next steps toward peace. The Kremlin confirmed through spokesman Dmitry Peskov that a Russian delegation would attend the meetings, led by Vladimir Medinsky, the former Culture Minister.

The buildup to next week’s talks follows a coordinated effort between the warring parties last week. Human rights ombudsmen from both countries oversaw a local ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky. This mission, which allowed for the evacuation of residents and the delivery of aid, was brokered by US First Lady Melania Trump.

Questions remain regarding the role of European nations in the peace process. Al Jazeera correspondent Dominic Kane noted that while Zelenskyy and Merz expressed positivity about the Abu Dhabi meeting, the absence of European representatives at the table raised concerns. To address these issues, US envoys are scheduled to meet with representatives from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, NATO, and the European Union in Brussels this week to discuss security guarantees. Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine requires an additional 70 billion euros from European nations next year, a sum that poses challenges for German voters concerned about the cost of living.