Cyprus News Agency

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna commented on the US-mediated talks scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi concerning the Russia-Ukraine war.

Speaking to ERR television, Tsahkna said there was no reason to fear that the trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States would result in a broader peace agreement encompassing Europe. Noting that representatives from France, the United Kingdom and Germany were also present at the talks, Tsahkna emphasized the importance of Europe's involvement in the negotiation process.

Stating that Europe supports Ukraine and plays a role in maintaining pressure on Russia, Tsahkna said, "Europe is currently the party providing financial support to Ukraine and exerting pressure on Russia. If a peace agreement is reached that will also shape Europe's security architecture, it is natural for Ukraine and Europe to be at the negotiating table and for matters concerning us to be decided together with us."

Tsahkna also referred to a meeting held in Poland with the participation of foreign ministers from countries in the Baltic Sea region, explaining that the discussions addressed steps to increase support for Ukraine and strengthen pressure on Russia.

Tsahkna stated that achieving a ceasefire could pave the way for peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the need to develop security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe.

"In the future, there must be no grey zones, neutral zones or buffer zones between NATO, the European Union and Russia. This is precisely why Europe's role in the peace talks is so important," Tsahkna said.

Tsahkna noted that a common agreement could be reached on who would represent Europe in the negotiations, adding that the representation process should also include non-European Union countries such as the United Kingdom, Norway and Iceland.

Assessing the possible outcomes of the Abu Dhabi talks, Tsahkna said he did not expect the negotiations to produce a comprehensive peace agreement encompassing Europe.

"These negotiations cannot produce a peace agreement that includes Europe. The best possible outcome is a ceasefire, meaning the silencing of weapons. Only after that can further talks take place. Personally, I do not believe Putin wants a ceasefire. He wants to divide the Western world," Tsahkna said.