Ukraine Signals Readiness for Deal as Russian Attacks Raise Doubts

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

ABU DHABI / KYIV (Worthy News) – Ukraine has signaled readiness to reach an acceptable agreement with Russia during renewed talks in Abu Dhabi, but Russian missile and drone attacks have cast doubt on Moscow’s intentions, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and other officials said.

The talks, held Wednesday under U.S. mediation, are aimed at exploring a ceasefire and longer-term security arrangements after nearly four years of war. Ukrainian officials have stressed that any agreement must include credible security guarantees, while continued Russian strikes have raised questions about Moscow’s commitment to diplomacy.

A day earlier, on Tuesday, Rutte made an unannounced visit to Kyiv, where he held a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Both leaders condemned Russia’s overnight missile and drone attacks, which Zelenskyy said violated the terms of a temporary energy ceasefire announced by the United States last week.

Zelenskyy warned that Russia’s actions must have “consequences” and cautioned against Ukraine’s partners remaining silent in the face of continued strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure.

SECURITY GUARANTEES AT CENTER OF TALKS

Zelenskyy said Ukraine and Europe need access to key defense licenses, including for missile systems crucial to air defense, many of which are currently controlled by the United States. He added that strong, enforceable guarantees are essential to prevent renewed Russian aggression.

The Ukrainian leader said he and Rutte agreed that an army of about 800,000 personnel would be an acceptable size for Ukraine’s future security, rejecting Russia’s demand that Ukraine cap its forces at 600,000. He said EU membership remains a core element of Ukraine’s long-term security framework, but emphasized that the decisive question is how Europe and the United States would respond if Russia attacks again.

Rutte said Ukraine needs binding commitments to deter future aggression, pointing to the so-called “coalition of the willing,” which would involve European forces backed by what he described as a crucial U.S. security backstop.

He said NATO military alliance allies are expected to allocate about $15 billion this year under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program, through which alliance members purchase U.S. weapons for Ukraine. About two-thirds of NATO countries are participating, he added.

NATO CHIEF CALLS FOR FAIRER BURDEN-SHARING

Rutte also urged more equal burden-sharing within the alliance, noting that some members are contributing heavily while others are doing little. He highlighted the roles of Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Canada, and Sweden.

Describing Russia’s full-scale invasion launched in February 2022 as “crazy,” Rutte said the continued targeting of civilian infrastructure was deliberately creating “chaos” for innocent Ukrainians.

Residents, including parents in Kyiv, told Worthy News they are struggling with heat and “especially electricity” after the ongoing Russian strikes, amid Arctic-level winter vibes as temperatures drop to minus 25 Celsius (minus 13 Fahrenheit).

However, Ukraine is still “ready to play ball and reach a deal acceptable to Kyiv,” Rutte said, adding that Russia’s latest attacks sent a “really bad signal” ahead of future negotiations.

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