The European Union's border agency on Friday announced that it has dispatched a patrol vessel to the English Channel for the first time to support French search and rescue operations related to small, overcrowded boats at sea.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) also said it plans to deploy additional vessels to join French patrols in the coming months.
In recent years, a large number of irregular migrants have attempted to cross the English Channel from France to the United Kingdom. The smuggling boats are often dangerously overcrowded and operate under hazardous conditions.
As of early August, 15 people had died this year while attempting to cross the Channel. On August 4, a total of 173 people were rescued by French and British maritime rescue services from a smuggling boat that caught fire in the English Channel.
EU deploys patrol vessel to English Channel to tackle migration crisis
EU deploys patrol vessel to English Channel to tackle migration crisis
EU deploys patrol vessel to English Channel to tackle migration crisis
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that he is ready for trilateral talks with the United States and Russia "even tomorrow," though the timing ultimately depends on Moscow.
In a phone call with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Zelensky agreed to a planned meeting in Abu Dhabi in the first half of November, according to Ukrainian sources. "We are ready to meet at any time, even tomorrow, but it all depends on the Russian side," he said.
Zelensky stressed that the top priority is ensuring the talks take place. He also expressed hope that European and other partners could join the U.S. in the discussions, and stressed the need to hold the trilateral talks at the leaders' level, saying it is necessary to move from technical-level negotiations to a meeting of leaders, as key issues can only be resolved at the highest level.
On the Russian side, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Friday that trilateral negotiations on security guarantees for Russia and Ukraine will begin in Abu Dhabi in the first half of November. He noted that the format is still being discussed, but did not rule out future European participation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that following a meeting with U.S. Special Envoy Witkoff, Russia and the U.S. had agreed to restart the trilateral process. He clarified that the goal is to discuss how to ensure long-term security for both Russia and Ukraine after a final peace agreement is reached, rather than simply pursuing a temporary ceasefire.
Zelensky says Ukraine expects trilateral talks with U.S., Russia as early as possible
Zelensky says Ukraine expects trilateral talks with U.S., Russia as early as possible
