The European Union has accused Russia of attempting to delay peace negotiations with Ukraine
EU officials stated that Russia is using any pretext, including the security situation in the Middle East, to postpone the next round of talks. EU Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho noted that for the Kremlin, any excuse is acceptable to avoid a meeting.
Brussels considers Moscow’s claims about “uncertainty” regarding the time and location of the meeting as yet another attempt to buy time to continue aggression against Ukraine while global attention is partially focused on the conflict surrounding Iran.
The trilateral negotiation round with Ukraine, the US, and Russia was initially scheduled for March 5–6 in Abu Dhabi. However, due to escalating hostilities in the region and UAE airspace closures after Iranian drone attacks, holding the meeting in the Emirates is now uncertain. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the meeting has not been canceled but may be moved to alternative European venues such as Geneva, the Vatican, or Istanbul. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that a meeting in Abu Dhabi is unlikely, without offering specific alternative locations.
The EU emphasizes that technical details or the venue should not become an obstacle to the diplomatic process. Spokesperson Anitta Hipper stressed that the EU’s goal remains achieving a just peace for Ukraine, while Russia’s actions demonstrate an unwillingness to cease hostilities. Both sides are awaiting final confirmation of the location, as Kyiv and Washington insist on maintaining the negotiation schedule despite Moscow’s attempts to exploit geopolitical instability to sabotage the dialogue.
President Zelensky also held talks with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, discussing missile supplies for air defence, the situation at the front, prospects for peace negotiations, and Merz’s upcoming visit to China.
