Prime Minister Luc Frieden has expressed scepticism regarding the outcome of high-level talks between the United States and Russia on Ukraine, stating they produced no substantive breakthrough.
The negotiating delegations met in Moscow for five hours on Tuesday evening without agreeing on fundamental points for a peace path. Frieden noted that Russia continues to insist on territorial claims in Ukraine, which he described as “completely unacceptable” to both Ukraine and the European Union. Consequently, the Prime Minister said he sees no indication of a “very strong will on the Russian side to end the war immediately” or to engage with European demands.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday during an official visit to the Balkans, Frieden characterised the bilateral talks as at best an “interim step” with no “huge progress.” He stressed that European powers can only properly assess any diplomatic progress if they are directly involved in the negotiations.
On the separate issue of using frozen Russian state assets to support Ukraine, Frieden said he is “confident” that EU leaders will reach an agreement at their summit in late December. He emphasised that any solution must also safeguard European financial stability. The European Commission has presented several options, a number of which, in his view, could gain broad approval.
However, Frieden could not specify what the final agreement will entail. Progress is currently complicated by reservations from Belgium, where the assets are held at the Euroclear depository. The Belgian government fears potential legal and political repercussions and has thus far blocked a consensus.
Prime Minister Frieden’s official visit to Montenegro on Wednesday is part of a broader diplomatic push by Western European leaders to engage the Western Balkans. This regional outreach, which included a meeting in Croatia on Tuesday, is driven by a shared strategic goal: to reinforce the prospect of EU membership and prevent external powers like Russia, China, or Saudi Arabia from filling a geopolitical vacuum. As Frieden stressed, the potential candidate countries must not be left “in the waiting room of the European Union” indefinitely.
Among the accession candidates, Frieden identified Montenegro as having made by far the most progress. He echoed assessments that the country could potentially conclude its accession negotiations by the end of 2026, paving the way to become the 28th EU member state by 2028.
Frieden stated that Luxembourg aims to build strong relations with this potential future member now. He also emphasised the importance of the EU welcoming a new member in the coming years.
