KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow initially planned for this week are postponed indefinitely due to the war in Iran. “For now, because of the situation with Iran, the necessary signals for a trilateral meeting haven’t come yet,” Zelensky said in his regular address to the nation late Wednesday. “As soon as the security situation and the broader political context allow us to resume the trilateral diplomatic work, it will be done.” The US-brokered talks were planned to place in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi this week. Zelensky also said Western countries have given no indication so far that their delivery to Kyiv of vital air defense missiles could be disrupted by commitments to Middle East defense. US-led diplomatic efforts to end the war that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 are continuing. But the American and Israeli attacks on Iran, and the response of Iran and Iranian-backed militias firing missiles at Israel and Arab states, may divert international attention from the 4-year-old conflict in Europe. “Due to hostilities, as of today we cannot confirm (the talks) will take place in Abu Dhabi,” Zelensky told reporters in a WhatsApp chat. He said last week that the United Arab Emirates capital would be this week’s venue. Previous Russia-Ukraine talks have been held in Abu Dhabi, Istanbul and Geneva. They have not produced a breakthrough on key issues. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Sunday that the United Kingdom would bring experts from Ukraine to help Gulf countries shoot down Iranian drones. Ukraine has built expertise in drone operations during the war, as Russia launches daily bombardments with Shahed drones developed in Iran. But Zelensky said he had not received any direct requests either from the United Kingdom or other countries about that possibility. — AgenciesKYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow initially planned for this week are postponed indefinitely due to the war in Iran. “For now, because of the situation with Iran, the necessary signals for a trilateral meeting haven’t come yet,” Zelensky said in his regular address to the nation late Wednesday. “As soon as the security situation and the broader political context allow us to resume the trilateral diplomatic work, it will be done.” The US-brokered talks were planned to place in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi this week. Zelensky also said Western countries have given no indication so far that their delivery to Kyiv of vital air defense missiles could be disrupted by commitments to Middle East defense. US-led diplomatic efforts to end the war that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 are continuing. But the American and Israeli attacks on Iran, and the response of Iran and Iranian-backed militias firing missiles at Israel and Arab states, may divert international attention from the 4-year-old conflict in Europe. “Due to hostilities, as of today we cannot confirm (the talks) will take place in Abu Dhabi,” Zelensky told reporters in a WhatsApp chat. He said last week that the United Arab Emirates capital would be this week’s venue. Previous Russia-Ukraine talks have been held in Abu Dhabi, Istanbul and Geneva. They have not produced a breakthrough on key issues. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Sunday that the United Kingdom would bring experts from Ukraine to help Gulf countries shoot down Iranian drones. Ukraine has built expertise in drone operations during the war, as Russia launches daily bombardments with Shahed drones developed in Iran. But Zelensky said he had not received any direct requests either from the United Kingdom or other countries about that possibility. — Agencies
Ukraine says peace talks with Russia on hold due to Middle East conflict
