Melike Pala
10 November 2026•Update: 10 November 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday said that Europe must choose a single representative to speak on its behalf in negotiations with Russia and the US, Danish public broadcaster DR reported.
“Europe must decide who represents Europe. Now is the time to choose who will represent Europe,” Zelenskyy said during a joint appearance with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the University of Copenhagen.
He stressed that while every European voice matters, having too many representatives would complicate negotiations.
“Everyone wants to represent. Everyone’s voice is very important. But 40 people cannot talk to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin,” Zelenskyy said.
He said meetings in Denmark and an upcoming meeting in Berlin on Nov. 19 could provide an opportunity for European leaders to agree on a representative.
Turning to ongoing trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi involving Ukrainian, Russian and US officials, Zelenskyy acknowledged that negotiations with Moscow remained difficult.
“I have just communicated with our team in Abu Dhabi. It is difficult with the Russians. They are not our best friends,” he said.
Zelenskyy added that discussions in the United Arab Emirates focused on humanitarian issues, including prisoner exchanges.
Meanwhile, Frederiksen ruled out representing Europe in negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressing the importance of strengthening European institutions.
She said the question of who should represent Europe would be discussed during meetings later Tuesday and at the European Political Community meeting in Dublin.
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