Europe to Join U.S.-Brokered Russia-Ukraine Negotiations in Abu Dhabi Despite Kremlin Resistance
European officials join U.S.-mediated Russia-Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi, marking a major shift in diplomacy despite Russian objections.
POLICY WIRE — Abu Dhabi, UAE — European nations are set to participate in high-level negotiations between Russia and Ukraine starting next week in Abu Dhabi. This move marks a significant expansion of European involvement in the diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict, mediated by the United States.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed on Sunday that European representatives will be present at the talks, which are scheduled to open Tuesday. This gathering represents the first trilateral round of negotiations between the involved parties since February.
The Kremlin has acknowledged the report that Russian diplomats and military officials will join the discussions alongside U.S. and Ukrainian counterparts. However, the inclusion of European powers comes despite previous objections raised by the Russian government.
Leading up to the summit, a top Ukrainian official expressed a sense of restrained optimism regarding the possibility of a future meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy following these talks. Barrot specifically noted that France would be actively representing European interests during these critical diplomatic sessions.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)