Zelensky: Europe Must Be Included in November Peace Talks

President Volodymyr Zelensky insisted Tuesday, Oct. 27, that European countries must be involved in upcoming peace negotiations, warning that no European partner should be excluded from decisions on ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. His remarks came as preparations continued for US-mediated talks involving Ukrainian, American and Russian representatives in November, following renewed diplomatic contacts between Moscow and European leaders.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “We expect a trilateral format in November, with Ukrainian, American, and Russian representatives,” Zelensky said in his evening address. “It is important that Europe also take part in all diplomatic moves. Ukraine has always insisted that Europe must be present and must have a say in the decisions,” he said. “And this, by the way, applies to everyone in Europe. No one should be left out of the process.” The Ukrainian president’s comments underscored Kyiv’s position that any settlement must address not only Ukraine’s future but also the security interests of European countries affected by Russia’s war. The anticipated negotiations are expected to take place in Abu Dhabi in the first half of November, according to statements from Moscow. Discussions are being prepared at the level of negotiating teams, rather than as a summit of the three countries’ presidents. Nordic leaders hold rare direct talks with Putin Zelensky’s appeal followed a rare phone call on Tuesday between Russian President Vladimir Putin, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Other Topics of Interest Trump Administration Weighs Lifting Sanctions on Kremlin’s Investment Fund – NYT The fund helped arrange Russian diesel shipments to the US and asked Washington to remove sanctions on it during the same discussion, The New York Times reported. The call, conducted from Helsinki, was initiated by Finland and Norway in consultation with Ukraine and followed diplomatic discussions held in Oslo on Oct. 20. According to a joint statement published by the Norwegian government, the Nordic leaders sought to convey messages directly to Putin about future negotiations and the need to end the war. “The discussion was frank and substantive,” Stubb said, emphasizing that the outcome of the war would directly affect European security. “Ending the war requires direct discussions,” he added. Støre stressed the war’s human and economic consequences and said the leaders had called for de-escalation. Both leaders reaffirmed their continued support for Ukraine. Zelensky briefed after Putin call Following the conversation with Putin, Stubb and Støre briefed Zelensky on the discussions. According to the Ukrainian president’s office, the Nordic leaders told Putin that Russia needed to take concrete steps toward de-escalation, particularly by reducing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Zelensky thanked them for coordinating the initiative with Kyiv and supporting efforts to bring Moscow back to negotiations. The leaders also discussed preparations for the November trilateral meeting and possible formats for broader European participation. Finland and Norway, both of which share borders with Russia, have a particular interest in reliable security arrangements, Zelensky noted. The Kremlin, meanwhile, said the participants had welcomed plans to resume trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi in the first half of November. Moscow reiterated its position that any lasting settlement must take account of what it describes as Russia’s security interests. Kyiv seeks united European approach ahead of negotiations In his evening address, Zelensky said Ukraine was intensifying diplomatic coordination with European partners while working to secure additional military assistance ahead of the anticipated negotiations. “These days, we are doing our best to secure new support packages,” he said. “Coordination with our partners is also ongoing to ensure diplomacy and meetings as soon as possible.” Zelensky also confirmed that Kyiv would remain in contact with Washington as preparations continued. The renewed diplomatic push follows talks in Oslo involving Zelensky, European leaders and US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who subsequently met Putin in St. Petersburg on Oct. 21. Following those contacts, both Kyiv and Moscow expressed support for resuming trilateral negotiations, which had stalled after earlier rounds produced limited progress beyond prisoner exchanges. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.