Zelenskyy Addresses Abu Dhabi Talks, Water Supply Threats, and Evacuations from Iran

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Remarks

According to ХВИЛЯ: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed several critical issues in his latest comments, including planned talks in Abu Dhabi, the threat of Russian strikes on water supply systems, Ukraine's technical readiness to open clusters for EU accession, the evacuation of citizens from Iran, and the impact of the Middle East crisis on air defense supplies. These statements come as Ukraine continues to navigate a complex wartime landscape while pursuing its European integration goals.

Talks involving representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are scheduled for March 5-6 in the United Arab Emirates. Zelenskyy stated that

"there is no updated information. The meeting was anticipated for the period from the fifth to the eighth... approximately the fifth-sixth... of March."

He emphasized that if Russia decides to withdraw from the negotiations, Ukraine will seek alternative formats to end the war.

Zelenskyy expressed concern about a new wave of Russian attacks, noting that

"Russia is preparing a new wave, it will strike at infrastructure, logistics, and water, the water supply. They want us to have problems specifically with water."

This threat highlights the severe challenges Ukraine faces in defending its critical civilian infrastructure.

Technical Readiness and Citizen Evacuation

Regarding Ukraine's technical readiness for EU accession, the president reported that

"Ukraine will be technically ready to open all six clusters for EU accession in a few days."

This indicates significant progress in meeting the conditions required for integration with European structures.

Furthermore, Ukraine has already begun receiving requests to evacuate its citizens from Iranian territory due to hostilities. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), Kyrylo Budanov, are handling the evacuation matters. Zelenskyy noted that

"there are appeals. Both the intelligence service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are working on this, helping people. We will respond to every appeal."

The president also commented on the situation in the Middle East, stating that

"I have not directly received any requests from Great Britain, nor from any of our partners, nor from representatives of the Middle East. I have not spoken with anyone about this, so there is nothing further to discuss, to be honest."

He also expressed the view that

"what is happening in Iran, it seems to me, is a good signal for Putin to see how dictatorship ends."

Thus, amid constant threats from Russia, Ukraine continues to take steps toward European Union integration and works to ensure the safety of its citizens, including those in Iran. The government continues to address the issue of military aid supplies, including through the PURL program, which remains operational, underscoring the importance of international support under these difficult conditions.