Kremlin Links Ukraine Ceasefire Talks to Middle East Instability
Russian official Yuri Ushakov stated that regional conflicts have delayed the next round of negotiations, pushing back expectations for a meeting in November.
By Anthony Hoffmann ·
The next round of three-way negotiations to end the Ukraine war is now linked to developments in the Middle East, according to Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov. His comments, reported by Russian news agencies on Wednesday, suggest the talks may not occur as previously proposed.
Ushakov told journalists that Moscow has not yet proposed a specific date. The timing depends on the battlefield situation and the general regional climate. He cited the fallout from the US-Israeli war on Iran as a primary obstacle. "You can see the situation now in the Middle East. It just doesn't allow us to hold it in the near future. That's my assumption," he said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope on Wednesday for a meeting in Abu Dhabi between November 6 and November 10. The US-led diplomatic effort aims to secure a ceasefire in a conflict that has lasted four and a half years. This approach has placed European nations, which serve as Ukraine's closest allies and primary military backers, on the sidelines.
European leaders sought a role in the process last weekend. The leaders of Britain, Germany, and France stated that Europe would participate in US-mediated talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky. Ushakov dismissed this idea for the upcoming round. "There is absolutely no talk about this, nothing being considered," he said.
The current agreement involves resuming three-sided consultations among representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. Ushakov noted that European participation was not discussed during a Tuesday phone call between Putin, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere. This contrasts with his weekend comments, where he suggested Europe's position could be crucial.
The next steps depend on how the Middle East situation evolves. Ushakov indicated that the date will be finalized once the regional conditions improve. The Kremlin has maintained that the three-party format is the agreed-upon path forward for now.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
