Kremlin Aide Disputes Finland Over European Role in Abu Dhabi Ukraine Talks

Yuri Ushakov, a senior foreign policy aide at the Kremlin, stated that European countries will not join the next round of Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi. Ushakov told Interfax that possible European involvement was not discussed during a 90 minute phone call on Tuesday. The call connected Russian President Vladimir Putin with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.

Alexander Stubb provided a differing account of the same conversation. Addressing the Nordic Council in Helsinki, Stubb asserted that European nations would be part of the November discussions in Abu Dhabi. This direct contradiction leaves the scope of the diplomatic gathering uncertain ahead of the scheduled meeting.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the timeline for the negotiations during a news conference in the Netherlands on Wednesday. He specified that trilateral talks with Russia and the United States will take place in the United Arab Emirates from November 6 to November 10. Zelenskyy said Kyiv wants Europe involved in these talks and argued that unity and stronger pressure on Russia are necessary.

Zelenskyy made these remarks following a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. Jetten pledged 500 million euros, or 556 million dollars, in additional military support for Ukraine this winter. The funds are designated for drones and other materials to strengthen Ukrainian defenses. Zelenskyy was also scheduled to meet with Dutch King Willem Alexander later on Wednesday.

The Dutch government announced a broader support package earlier in the day. The three year package totals 1.2 billion euros, or 1.33 billion dollars. The government also committed 40 million euros, or 44.5 million dollars, to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund by the end of the year. Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, the Dutch minister for foreign trade and development cooperation, visited Kyiv on Wednesday to discuss these measures.

Sjoerdsma stated that support for recovery and reconstruction can not wait for a ceasefire. He emphasized that Ukraine requires military support alongside social and economic assistance. He noted that successful battlefield outcomes do not ensure the functioning of energy systems, hospitals, and food production.

Zelenskyy also spoke with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Wednesday morning. Zelenskyy thanked Burnham for a newly announced support package worth 10 billion pounds, or 13.3 billion dollars. He described the move as a strong and timely step, saying Russia needs to see that Ukraine will not be left alone. Downing Street said the British package includes 500 million pounds, or 665 million dollars, in extra military support from the Ministry of Defence to address urgent gaps in air defenses this winter.