Key facts
- The U.S. has proposed a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and Russia in the UAE to discuss ending the war.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the U.S. proposed the meeting.
- Zelenskiy warned of drone production challenges this winter due to budget deficit and funding delays.
- Ukraine's budget deficit is allocated for defense spending, including drones and missiles.
- Ukraine expects to need over $52 billion in international financial aid next year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Friday that the United States has proposed a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and Russia in the United Arab Emirates to discuss efforts to end the ongoing war. Zelenskiy stated that the American side suggested a meeting at a technical level and that the UAE is a possible location.
Zelenskiy held talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, where they discussed ways to end the conflict. Following these discussions, Ukrainian negotiators met with their U.S. counterparts to discuss specific details. Zelenskiy mentioned that they would share these details with the European side, while the Americans would engage with the Russians, aiming for a new perspective or a resolution within 10 days. The Kremlin confirmed on Friday that a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine and the US could occur soon.
Additionally, Zelenskiy warned European partners that Russia would continue its hybrid attacks against them and offered Ukraine's assistance. The Kremlin has denied involvement in recent acts of sabotage in European countries. Zelenskiy also expressed concerns about potential challenges in drone production this winter due to budget deficits and funding delays, noting that approximately $27 billion of Ukraine's budget deficit is allocated for defense spending. He indicated that delays in ordering and payments in October and November could lead to serious difficulties in January and February. Ukraine's government has described its current budget situation as the "worst" since 2022, and expects to need over $52 billion in international financial aid next year.