Tusk Announced the Date of Talks Between Ukraine, Russia, and the US: Ukraine Denied It
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a tentative date for trilateral talks between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia in Abu Dhabi. However, the Ukrainian side has not yet confirmed that the meeting will take place on that specific date.
Tusk made this statement before a government meeting in Warsaw, according to The Guardian.
What did Tusk say about the talks with Putin?
According to the Polish prime minister, the conversation with the Kremlin leader took place after consultations, including with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. officials.
Before the call, Tusk was also briefed on the plans of Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Tusk explained that European politicians had decided to maintain working-level contact with Russia amid preparations for possible ceasefire talks in Abu Dhabi.
According to him, talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. are tentatively scheduled for November 4.
Has Ukraine confirmed the date of the talks?
At the same time, Davyd Arakhamia, head of the “Servant of the People” parliamentary faction, did not confirm that the trilateral meeting would take place on November 4.
He said the parties are still finalizing the date of the talks and are awaiting confirmation from the U.S. delegation, which is acting as a mediator.
The Polish prime minister noted that Støre assured him of his readiness, together with Stubb, to assume political responsibility for this contact with Putin. At the same time, they were to adhere to the agreed-upon position of the “coalition of the willing.”
After speaking with Putin, Stubb briefed Tusk on the results of the conversation.
Both sides stuck to their positions,
the Polish prime minister quoted the Finnish president as saying.
At the same time, according to Tusk, the European side felt “very cautious optimism” after the conversation with Putin regarding possible progress in the upcoming negotiations in Abu Dhabi.
Why did Tusk urge people not to trust Russia?
Despite cautious hopes for diplomatic progress, the Polish prime minister emphasized that he approaches contacts with Russia with great caution.
He urged Stubb and Støre to remain vigilant during negotiations with Putin, since, in his words, Russia has clearly defined goals and interests.
Tusk also reported that during their conversation with the Kremlin leader, the leaders of Finland and Norway emphasized the inviolability of NATO’s northern and eastern flanks.
In addition, the Polish prime minister assured that the resumption of dialogue with Russia does not change the position of European countries regarding their full support for Ukraine, the future security architecture, and security guarantees for Kyiv.
“We must not harbor any illusions. It is clear what the Russian side is seeking, but I will remain in constant contact with all those who have good will and believe in the possibility of reaching an agreement – or at least a ceasefire – before winter,”
Tusk concluded.
He also stated that a few days ago, Russia allegedly lost 2,500 troops in a single night. However, the prime minister did not specify the source of this information, so there is no independent confirmation of this figure.
Earlier, Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the agreement between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia on trilateral talks in November. According to the president, the venue is still being determined, and Kyiv insists on the participation of European partners and expects concrete results, particularly regarding the cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure and the exchange of prisoners.