Zelensky: Abu Dhabi talks need security guarantees, not just words

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that peace for Ukraine must be backed by concrete security guarantees, a strong army, and robust financing, not just words, ahead of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi. Speaking at a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin, Zelensky stressed that lasting peace requires European involvement, as the US and Russia cannot decide Ukraine's EU membership. He outlined priorities for the November 10-11 meeting: energy ceasefire, Black Sea grain corridor, and prisoner exchanges. Zelensky noted the US will mediate initial de-escalation steps, with Europe joining later formats. Merz echoed skepticism about Russia's seriousness in negotiations, reaffirming Germany's continued support for Ukraine until the war ends.