The key facts

  • Margus Tsahkna: Europe finances Ukraine and puts pressure on Russia, so it must take part in the talks
  • Trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi will take place on November 10 and 11 — the first in almost nine months
  • Tsahkna considers a ceasefire the best outcome but doubts it will be realized

Estonia's argument: Europe pays, so Europe takes part

Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna explained why, in his view, Europe must be present at the peace talks on Ukraine: European countries are simultaneously financing and supporting Kyiv and putting pressure on Russia. His words were reported by ERR and retold by Gazeta.Ru.

The essence of the position

“Europe is, in essence, the party that is currently financing and supporting Ukraine while at the same time exerting pressure on Russia. And if a peace agreement is reached that also defines Europe's security architecture, then it is entirely natural that Ukraine and Europe should be at the negotiating table and that everything concerning us should be agreed with us,” Tsahkna said.

Format and timing of the talks

The minister recalled that this is not the first visit by high-ranking European officials to the talks: this time the event will be attended by representatives of Germany, France and the United Kingdom, as well as of Euro-Atlantic structures. The talks themselves between representatives of Russia and Ukraine, mediated by the United States, will take place in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11. This is the first trilateral meeting after a break of almost nine months; the parties intend to discuss the terms of a ceasefire, security guarantees and humanitarian issues.

Expectations for the meeting

In Tsahkna's assessment, the best possible outcome of the talks in Abu Dhabi would be a ceasefire, but he doubts that such a scenario will be realized. Earlier, as the outlet notes, the Europeans wanted to sabotage the discussion of one of the items on the agenda of these talks; the publication does not specify which point is meant.