European officials to hold separate talks with Ukraine during Abu Dhabi peace negotiations
Representatives of four European countries, NATO and the European Commission are expected to hold separate meetings with Ukrainian officials in Abu Dhabi on November 10–11, alongside planned trilateral peace talks between Ukraine, the United States and Russia.
Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service and a member of the Ukrainian negotiating delegation, announced the arrangements on November 9 as the delegation traveled to the United Arab Emirates.
The European representatives will include officials from the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy, known collectively as the E4.
Umerov stressed that the meetings with European partners would be separate from the trilateral negotiations.
"For us, it is essential to maintain close coordination with all our key partners, ensure aligned positions and a shared understanding of the next steps in the negotiating process," he said.
Ukraine's delegation will also include Presidential Office head Kyrylo Budanov, his deputy Serhii Kyslytsia, lawmaker Davyd Arakhamia and military intelligence official Vadym Skibitskyi.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said European representatives would not participate in the trilateral talks involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States.
Umerov thanked the UAE for hosting the meetings and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for helping prepare them.
The Ukrainian delegation says its goal is a lasting peace, security guarantees for Ukraine and opportunities for postwar reconstruction.