Zelensky calls Abu Dhabi talks "constructive" and demands guarantees
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on L’essentiel
Kyiv and Moscow began US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, the first since February, which resume on Wednesday. Volodymyr Zelensky calls them constructive and says Ukraine would demand specific security guarantees if Moscow demands withdrawal from Donetsk; a large prisoner exchange was also discussed, according to L’essentiel.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described as "constructive" the talks begun on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi with Russia, under US mediation. He said at a press conference in Copenhagen that Kyiv would need "very specific security guarantees" on the issue of the Donetsk region (east).
Moscow demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from this region. According to Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine is not prepared "to believe" Vladimir Putin’s statements or to accept a deal "under pressure". He said the talks, in which US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are taking part, also covered a possible "big" prisoner exchange. The US envoys are due to travel to Russia to discuss the issue.
This meeting is the first since February and is due to resume on Wednesday morning. According to the Ukrainian president, Wednesday’s session is to address de-escalation measures, energy and the Black Sea. Washington says it wants to work towards a "new" security framework that includes Europe.
The talks follow Rubio’s statements calling them "very productive" and Kyiv’s announced goal of an exchange of 1,000 to 1,500 prisoners, published on 10 November.
