Russia denies European role in Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi

Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov has rejected claims that European officials will take part in the peace talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States, which are set for 10 and 11 November in Abu Dhabi. The denial contradicts French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who said on Sunday, 8 November, that Europe would be well represented and that a French delegation would attend. Peskov described the meeting as a trilateral format and noted that Ukraine and the United States have their own communication channels with their European partners.

Reuters reports, citing a spokesperson, that Germany has also said it is involved in the talks. On Monday, 9 November, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X that he had spoken with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to align positions ahead of the Abu Dhabi meeting. The talks are taking place at the initiative of the United States and mark the first time the three countries have sat together in nine months, a period in which the Iran war pushed Ukraine into the background. Special envoy Steve Witkoff said the discussions will cover security arrangements for after the war, de-escalation and humanitarian efforts.