The key facts

  • Maria Zakharova said that Europeans have nothing to do at the negotiating table on Ukraine
  • The 'coalition of the willing' exercises began on the eve of the Russia — USA — Ukraine consultations in Abu Dhabi
  • Borys Tarasyuk believes Europe is represented at the negotiations through Ukraine

Statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that Europeans have 'nothing to do' at the negotiating table on Ukraine. The comment was made in connection with the first military exercises of the so-called 'multinational forces for Ukraine' within the 'coalition of the willing,' Gazeta.Ru reported..

The exercises and consultations in Abu Dhabi

According to Zakharova, it is symbolic that the maneuvers begin on the eve of the resumption in Abu Dhabi of consultations on settling the conflict in the Russia — USA — Ukraine format. 'This once again confirms that Europeans have nothing to do at the negotiating table', the diplomat emphasized. Thus, the Foreign Ministry's statement directly links the 'coalition of the willing' exercises to a negotiating format in which European countries do not participate directly.

The position of the Ukrainian side

A different point of view was voiced on the eve by former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Borys Tarasyuk. In his words, united Europe, thanks in part to Kyiv, 'has a place at the negotiations and expresses its position.' He admitted that this does not happen to the extent all countries of the continent would like, but noted that Ukraine always informs European countries after negotiations. Earlier, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, according to the outlet, spoke of panic in Europe over a deal between Russia and the United States.