Kyiv, Ukraine - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday said he had spoken with EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen to coordinate positions with the bloc ahead of US-led talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi this week.
European powers are engaged in an intense diplomatic push to ensure that any settlement in Russia's war on Ukraine is fair to Kyiv – and avoid Washington offering Moscow new security guarantees over Europe's head.
Posting on X after speaking with von der Leyen, Zelensky said they had "coordinated our positions regarding the meeting in Abu Dhabi."
"Right now, many of our cities and communities are facing a very difficult situation with power, water, and heating supplies due to Russian strikes," Zelensky explained. "The situation is most difficult in Kyiv, the Dnipro, Sumy, and Donetsk regions, and Kherson."
"I told Ursula about the challenges, and we agreed that the European Union would activate a special emergency mechanism. This will make it possible to quickly provide Ukraine with funding for what is needed most right now."
"We are doing everything to ensure that the trilateral format delivers results," he added.
The European Commission chief confirmed on social media that "the EU will be present alongside our partners" for the Abu Dhabi talks taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday, echoing weekend statements by France's foreign minister.
"Freedom of navigation in the Black Sea must be restored and preserved," von der Leyen said. "I reiterated my support for his call for a ceasefire covering food and energy infrastructure."
The Kremlin insisted that the upcoming talks will be held in the trilateral Ukraine-Russia-US format despite the presence of European leaders.
"As for the Europeans, there are separate channels of communication between the Ukrainians and Europeans, as well as the Americans and Europeans," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.