Ahead of the start of a new round of talks to resolve Russia's war against Ukraine, Europe has not developed a unified position on what level the continent should be represented at in Abu Dhabi. According to Politico, the national security advisors of France, Germany, and the UK — the so-called "E3 group" — will take part in the talks this week. Their presence is intended to ensure European representation in contacts between Ukraine and Russia mediated by the US, but the format of participation itself has not been fully settled and is causing disagreements within the European Union.
The "Starting" Round and the Role of the E3 Group
According to a German official, the meeting in Abu Dhabi is of a "starting" nature, after which further rounds are planned. On Thursday, on the sidelines of the European Political Community meeting in Dublin, E3 representatives will brief a wider circle of participants in order, as formulated in Brussels, to "broaden the scope of discussion." Thus, the Dublin summit is seen as a platform to synchronize positions before direct contacts in the UAE.
Will the Advisors Be in the Negotiating Room
When asked whether the national security advisors would be directly inside the negotiating room, the German official replied that "the format will be determined during discussions." At the same time, an EU official speaking on condition of anonymity clarified that the national security advisors will be inside or near the room, but will not take direct part in the negotiations. The difference in wording emphasizes that the final protocol for contacts has not yet been finalized.
Demand to Expand the Circle of Participants
Proponents of broader European country involvement consider the format involving only the "E3 group" insufficient. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, and European Council President António Costa are insisting on expanding the circle of participants. The anxiety of Eastern and Northern European countries is heightened by the fact that, according to US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and envoy Jared Kushner, the talks will touch upon a new "European security architecture." "The last thing we want is for Western Europe to negotiate with Russia behind the backs of Eastern Europeans," Sikorski stressed. An EU diplomat added that there can be no discussions regarding Europe or its security without the direct participation of Europe itself.
France's Position and Uncertainty Over EU Institutions
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that France and Europe will be "properly represented" in Abu Dhabi. However, as of Sunday evening, it remained unclear whether representatives of EU institutions would join the talks. It is this uncertainty that creates the main dispute within the Union: whether the narrow E3 framework is sufficient or if institutional representation of the entire European Union is necessary.
Agenda and Composition of the Ukrainian Delegation
Earlier, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff reported that the first trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the US, and Russia since February within the framework of the peace process is scheduled for November 10 and 11 in Abu Dhabi. During the contacts, the parties intend to discuss future security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian issues, and further steps towards peace. According to an RBC-Ukraine source, Ukraine will be represented at the meeting by intelligence chief Rustem Umerov, intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov, "Servant of the People" faction leader David Arakhamia, First Deputy Intelligence Chief Sergiy Kyslytsya, and Deputy Intelligence Chief Vadym Skibitsky.
