France Says Europe Will Take Part in US-Mediated Ukraine Talks in Abu Dhabi

The update

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Sunday that Europeans will be represented at the US-mediated Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11 and that France will take part. “France will be there and will ensure that Europe’s voice is heard,” he told RTL radio, though he could not yet say who will represent France. US envoy Steve Witkoff said the talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations will address ending the war, post-war security agreements and de-escalation.

Why it matters

Europe’s role has been contested: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sought European involvement, while Russia has suggested European representatives would have no place at the table. Barrot said earlier discussions were held sometimes without Europeans, but this time they will participate. His remarks followed a November 5 Brussels meeting of US, European, Ukrainian and NATO officials on a just and sustainable end to the war.

What to watch

Attention now turns to who is named to each delegation and in what format Europeans take part. US envoy Jared Kushner said Washington will consult European partners on the sidelines in Abu Dhabi and, if progress is made, could move toward a broader multilateral format with their direct participation.

Sources

• thehindu.com — AFP reporting confirming Barrot’s RTL remarks, Russia’s earlier resistance and the Brussels preparatory meeting
• thehindubusinessline.com — Reuters reporting confirming Barrot’s remarks and Witkoff’s November 10-11 agenda on ending the war, security agreements and de-escalation

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