No representatives of the European Union are participating in the negotiations on Ukraine in Abu Dhabi. This was reiterated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grusko. “I am not part of the process,” Grusko said Tuesday, speaking to reporters. “It is understood that both the Americans and the Ukrainians will consult with them,” he added. "So far, the Europeans have acted as elements of disturbance in the process and I do not see any factor that could change this attitude of theirs", he concluded.
Given that the Abu Dhabi talks for peace in Ukraine are in full swing and the exclusion of the EU raises strong political debate, would you like me to set up continuous monitoring on this conversation to notify you in real time of official replies from Brussels or new statements from Aleksandr Grusko?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected in Denmark, where he will meet the leaders of the Nordic countries to discuss air defense and energy security. This was announced by the office of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. "I am proud to welcome President Zelensky and Nordic leaders to Denmark. The Ukrainians' fight for a free Ukraine and a free Europe continues," she said. The Nordic countries are among Ukraine's main supporters; President Zelensky traveled to Oslo at the end of October, where he held talks with US emissaries. Meanwhile, direct negotiations between Kiev and Moscow have begun in Abu Dhabi, with the mediation of the United States. "Almost five years after the large-scale invasion, a hail of bombs continues to hit civilians, emergency relief centers and water and heating infrastructure. That's why we must stand firm," Frederiksen stressed. The Copenhagen police have announced that they will increase their presence in public spaces in the coming days. Yesterday, the authorities had imposed a temporary ban on drones flying over the capital.
"Regarding the war in Ukraine, talks begin today in Abu Dhabi under the so-called Miami format. This format has been accepted by the Russians, the Americans and the Ukrainians. Europe is therefore present in an E3 format, at the level of national security advisors (NSA), which brings together the French, British and Germans, together with the European institutions and NATO. France is represented by Emmanuel Bonne and Xavier Chatel. This time the Italians are also present." Elysée sources make this known. "We work side by side with the Ukrainians and our objective is to enforce an essential principle: the search for peace in Ukraine and security in Europe are inextricably linked - continues the French government - There cannot be a lasting agreement in Ukraine without taking into account European security, nor an agreement on security in Europe without the Europeans. Our objective is therefore to fully connect these two dimensions, to remember that everything is connected and to organize the follow-up of the process, ensuring that the interests and concerns of the Europeans are fully taken into account into consideration".
"If an apartment that's four houses away from mine catches fire, I can also think that it's not my problem. But if I don't notice the wind changing, suddenly it could be my house that's burning." Guido Crosetto, Minister of Defense, said this in an interview with the newspaper 'La Repubblica', adding that "E3 is a format that has existed for years. After that the point is another: Meloni was very clear in asking for Europe to speak with one voice. And her position was supported by Kallas and Costa. Our doubts are those of Germany. Excluding a physical presence of European troops in Ukraine has always been one of our caveats. If, however, we see it from the point of view of contributors, then it is clear that the situation is changing: Berlin sends many billions, only last year it sent more money to Kiev than we did in two years of investments. We have been serious and correct, with generators, humanitarian aid and military aid packages, but none of us thinks we are top of the class in this area".
Giorgetti? "He didn't sign the decree because it wasn't there. - The authorization of the Chambers ends on December 31st, what happens after that will be decided by Parliament and the government. If you then ask me, I say: I am convinced that Russia will come to the peace table only when it understands that there is no way to conquer all of Ukraine because it is not alone. I think that no one can afford to sacrifice Kiev to Russia, least of all the United States. For Trump it would be an own goal: with the midterms he paid the economic consequences of the war to Iran, if it aligned with Putin it would face damage, not only internal, in terms of credibility. As for us Europeans it is a crucial piece: the defeat of Ukraine would open up worse scenarios".
"I continue to say that the only thing that matters is finding a real solution without being fooled by him and without offering other propaganda tools to Russia. It is clear that if we want an agreement, we will also have to sit at the table with Putin, in addition to Zelensky and the USA. But I also say: the right day to all sit together is the one in which there is a real desire for an agreement", continued Crosetto underlining that "if we talk about hybrid war, I say: there will always be more. It is not a modern tactic, it dates back to Sun Tzu. Weaken the enemy from within: some apply this teaching in a maniacal and scientific way." Regarding cyberattacks, Crosetto highlighted that "without wanting to scare anyone, I'll give you some examples: a lethal attack is one that cuts off the power in a hospital, risking causing victims. Or an attack on the INPS that prevents you from paying your pensions. Striking to weaken and frighten a nation".
Japan Tobacco (JT) is assessing the financial impact of Moscow's decision to take temporary control of the group's operations in Russia. Last week, President Vladimir Putin signed two decrees placing four manufacturing and three commercial entities under Russian management. JT specifies that the measures concern all the group's entities in the country, but operations continue: the company monitors the situation and evaluates options and potential implications. In the meantime, the Japanese government has lodged a protest in Moscow asking for the measure to be withdrawn. According to public broadcaster NHK, the Russian business is expected to be worth around 10% of the group's revenues in the financial year to December, and 25% of operating profit net of extraordinary items. At the end of September, assets linked to Russia were worth around 1,500 billion yen, equal to around 8.4 billion euros. JT's European subsidiary reportedly maintained local sales and production at four locations even after the conflict in Ukraine began in 2022. In an editorial, the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper called the measure "an arbitrary interference" in company management, calling on Moscow to withdraw it immediately. The decree, we read, is a retaliation against Japan, listed among the "hostile nations" due to the sanctions. The newspaper warns of the risk that the subsidiary will be confiscated, sold or nationalized and that other Japanese companies in Russia will be affected, calling on companies to exercise caution and the government to take a firm response, protecting people and companies.
The straw that would have broken the camel's back would have been the announcement by the deputy prime minister and foreign minister Antonio Tajani at Porta a Porta that the provision on the thirteenth arms package had been signed by the three ministers delegated to do so (the head of the Farnesina, Guido Crosetto and Giancarlo Giorgetti). But this was not the case, Giorgetti had not yet signed it and Matteo Salvini had already expressed his doubts about this measure on several occasions. A line - explain League sources - which would have become more stringent after the recent Northern League congress. 'After four years of war' between Russia and Ukraine we need to change pace, find the path to a just peace. In essence, no more weapons and opening other channels, is the line that the League is pursuing, currently alone in the majority, and on which it is awaiting answers from its allies and from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Hence the harsh reaction with the secretary's stop. You don't sign until all the new rules of engagement are defined. And it is in this situation that Defense Minister Guido Crosetto will find himself when he goes to the Copasir meeting scheduled for tomorrow afternoon to discuss the provision. A meeting where the League already announces battle. The allies throw water on the fire. There is no "mystery, no case" about the failure of the Minister of Economy to sign the thirteenth package of aid and weapons for Ukraine, it is explained in majority circles close to Palazzo Chigi who underline that it is a "package" of "classified" materials and on which it is not possible to affix a "digital signature". It must be "read and signed by hand" but Giorgetti was unable to be in Rome, the same sources explain, assuring that in any case the Defense Minister, Guido Crosetto, will be at Copasir tomorrow to illustrate it.
