The key facts

  • A round of trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States is taking place in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11 after a break of almost nine months.
  • European representatives arrived in Abu Dhabi but were not allowed to take part in the talks.
  • According to Lavrov, Europe is trying to 'buy time' for Kyiv to make up its military losses; Russia will not agree to this.

Talks in Abu Dhabi without Europe's participation

On November 10 and 11, a new round of trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States is taking place in Abu Dhabi — the first after a break of almost nine months. European representatives arrived in Abu Dhabi, but were not allowed to take part in the meeting, reports Gazeta.Ru.

Lavrov's statement

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference that Europe, in his words, is acting according to the 'old logic' — trying to 'buy time for its clients, the Kyiv regime,' and then use it to 'make up at least some of the losses' in military terms. 'We will not agree to that', RIA Novosti quotes him as saying.

What was discussed on the first day

According to the results of the first day of talks RBC-Ukraine reported, citing a source,that the parties discussed two key issues: security guarantees and what will happen after the conflict ends. According to the source, the Ukrainian delegation, with Europe's support, insists that a ceasefire must first be achieved, and only then should the future security architecture of Europe be discussed.

Additional context

Earlier, according to Gazeta.Ru, Lavrov joked about shooting down European aircraft. Kyiv's position and that of its European supporters on a ceasefire as the first priority directly contradicts the Russian minister's statement, which gives the talks in Abu Dhabi special significance: it is precisely this format, with the United States participating but without the Europeans, that has become the arena where these approaches collide.