European officials to attend Abu Dhabi peace talks as format remains unclear
The negotiations were initially expected to involve only Ukraine, Russia and the U.S.; European participation has since been confirmed.
Officials representing the EU, NATO, Germany, France and the U.K. will attend peace negotiations with Russia in Abu Dhabi, a senior EU diplomat told the Kyiv Independent. The talks are expected on Nov. 10-11, but how the Europeans will participate remains unresolved.
The diplomat said national security advisers from the three European countries would be present alongside representatives of the bloc and NATO. They could join an expanded negotiating session or attend briefings before and after separate discussions involving Ukraine, Russia and the U.S.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed EU participation in a Nov. 9 statement. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot had said in a Nov. 8 interview that France would attend and Europe would have representation.
Ukraine has backed European involvement. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Nov. 6 that European nations should participate in discussions concerning their security. Foreign intelligence chief Rustem Umerov will lead Ukraine's delegation, while the Kremlin said its representatives would include senior diplomats and military officials.
