Denmark's Frederiksen declines role as Europe's representative in Russia peace talks
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she does not want to serve as Europe's representative in negotiations with Russia over ending the war in Ukraine, arguing that European institutions should play a central role in the peace process.
Asked who should represent Europe in the talks, Frederiksen said the issue would be discussed among European leaders, Danish public broadcaster DR reported.
"We will discuss this tonight, and also later in Dublin. For me, it is very important right now to support our European institutions," she said.
When asked whether she would personally like to represent Europe, Frederiksen replied: "No. I hope to be part of Europe's voice. But our institutions must be at the center of our work."
Her comments come as Ukraine, Russia and the United States hold a new round of peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi, with European participation in the diplomatic process still under discussion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on November 10 that Kyiv wants a coordinated position with Washington and European partners on ending the war, emphasizing the importance of European representation in the talks.
The Ukrainian delegation has also held consultations with European officials and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Following those discussions, the European Commission said any future agreement must respect Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independent decision-making, while providing credible security guarantees.
The trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi began on November 10 and continued into a second day on November 11. Ukrainian officials have said the agenda includes ending hostilities, postwar security guarantees and humanitarian measures, including a possible large-scale prisoner exchange.
No agreement to end the fighting has been announced.
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