Zelensky demands European seat at Abu Dhabi peace talks as Patriot shortage leaves Kyiv exposed

President Volodymyr Zelensky insisted Tuesday that European countries must be included in upcoming US-mediated peace negotiations, warning that no European partner should be excluded from decisions on ending Russia's war against Ukraine.

His remarks came as preparations continued for trilateral talks involving Ukrainian, American and Russian representatives in November in Abu Dhabi, following renewed diplomatic contacts between Moscow and European leaders — including a rare phone call between Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Vladimir Putin.

Separately, Zelensky urged Washington on Tuesday to approve Patriot interceptor deliveries that have been delayed for nearly a month, warning that shortages are leaving Ukrainian civilians vulnerable to deadly Russian ballistic missile strikes.

His appeal followed Russian attacks on Kyiv on Monday evening and overnight that killed a 46-year-old woman and injured 15 others. The strikes damaged the State University of Trade and Economics, including student dormitories and academic buildings, as well as nearby Kyiv Park, residential buildings and transport infrastructure. Five of those injured were university students and staff.

A separate Russian attack on Kharkiv's Osnovianskyi district late on October 27 hit a residential apartment building, injuring at least four people including a four-year-old boy. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that residents were trapped inside as emergency crews responded.