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European representatives from the EU, France, Germany and the UK are expected to join discussions alongside US mediated negotiations between Russia and Ukraine scheduled for November 10 and 11.
Mariyam Adheela
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (C) poses with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (L) and Jared Kushner (R) ahead of talks in Kyiv on September 6, 2026. Photo: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service / AFP
ABU DHABI, UAE: European officials are expected to take part in discussions surrounding the latest round of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11.
The United States is hosting the two day talks, bringing together Russian and Ukrainian delegations in an effort to end the war. The discussions are expected to focus on postwar security arrangements, de escalation and further steps towards a peace agreement.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed on Monday that the European Union would send a joint team of senior officials, alongside representatives from France, Germany and the United Kingdom.
The European team will include senior advisers from the European Commission and European Council. However, it remains unclear whether European representatives will participate directly in the main negotiations or hold separate discussions with the parties.
Moscow has insisted that the negotiations should remain a trilateral process involving only Russia, Ukraine and the United States. The Kremlin has opposed direct European participation in the main talks.
Ukraine, meanwhile, has supported European involvement, arguing that decisions concerning the continent’s security must include European countries.
The Ukrainian delegation will be led by Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, while Russia’s delegation will include senior officials and be led by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to represent Washington in the discussions.
Security guarantees for Ukraine and the wider European region are expected to be among the central issues. However, major differences remain between Moscow and Kyiv over territorial demands, NATO membership and the future security arrangements of Ukraine.
The Abu Dhabi meeting marks a renewed diplomatic effort to find a way to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has continued despite repeated attempts to secure a lasting agreement.
