Europe to participate in Abu Dhabi peace talks, French foreign minister says

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Nov. 8 that Europe will participate in upcoming U.S.-mediated peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials. Barrot stated that France will be present in Abu Dhabi to engage in these discussions, though he could not specify who would represent France at the talks. European involvement in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow has been limited thus far, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Council President Antonio Costa advocating for a dedicated EU envoy to ensure a unified message and defend European interests.

The EU's representation at the negotiations has varied, with some countries sending their own representatives and others relying on the European Commission. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed support for European participation in the peace talks, emphasizing the importance of discussing issues concerning Europe's security with all European nations.

The peace talks are scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 10-11, with the Kremlin confirming that senior diplomats and military officials will participate.