United States negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are meeting with delegations from Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi this week to discuss the ongoing war and future security guarantees.
The talks, which began Tuesday, mark a rare moment of direct contact between the warring parties, though European nations remain largely excluded from the primary negotiation table.
According to tv2.no, European officials have appeared divided and inconsistent in their messaging, with some suggesting they would be present for the negotiations while others indicated they would only hold separate, peripheral meetings. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated on Sunday that "Europeans will be represented and France will be in Abu Dhabi to take part in these conversations," as reported by tv2.no.
United States Seeks New Security Framework
The primary goal of the United States delegation is to establish a new security framework for Europe. Jared Kushner noted on X that the conflict is "unusually difficult and complicated" (unusually difficult and complex), according to Daily newspaper. He outlined five key objectives for these discussions, including permanent security consultations, improved crisis communication, and measures to reduce the risk of military escalation.
While the U.S. and Russia hold the central three-party talks, European representatives—including officials from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the European Union—are conducting separate consultations. reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pushed for a more direct European role, stating, "It is completely unthinkable that one should be able to stop this war and talk about security guarantees from the USA and Europe without Europe being included."
Divergent Expectations in Abu Dhabi
The parties involved hold significantly different expectations for the summit. While U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested a "large, beautiful deal" could be imminent, observers remain skeptical of a breakthrough. reports that analysts believe Russia is using the dialogue primarily to exert pressure on Ukraine and influence U.S. policy rather than to pursue a genuine peace settlement.
The absence of a unified European voice has further complicated the situation. As VG notes, Zelenskyy acknowledged the difficulty of the current arrangement, stating, "It would be really good if the Europeans could find someone who could represent them all, but it is difficult." Meanwhile, Russia’s representative, Yuri Ushakov, previously claimed that Europe "had not bought a ticket" to the negotiating table, according to VG.
Ukraine Confirms Separate Consultations with European Nations
Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s chief negotiator, confirmed that separate consultations are being held with France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, NATO, and the European Commission. The European Union delegation includes Bjoern Seibert, Chief of Staff to Ursula von der Leyen, and Anna-Maria Boura, foreign policy adviser to Council President António Costa.
European interests regarding Russia's war of aggression will also be discussed at the European Political Community meeting in Dublin on Thursday, following an initiative by Giorgia Meloni.
Status of the Negotiations
- Participants: The core three-party talks involve the United States, Ukraine, and Russia, with meetings taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Norwegian Involvement: Norway has no observers at the meetings, though Jonas Gahr Støre participated in earlier preparatory discussions, including a telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin in October, as reported by VG.
- Key Issues: The agenda focuses on security guarantees, potential territorial disputes, and long-term stability frameworks.
Sources Report No Immediate Breakthrough
There is little expectation of an immediate breakthrough. Sources including Sun report that both sides remain far apart on core issues, particularly regarding the status of occupied Ukrainian territories.
European nations have also struggled to coordinate a single representative to speak on behalf of the entire continent.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are to mediate between Ukraine and Russia.
The duration of the meetings and the specific commitments, if any, that will emerge from the parallel sessions remain unknown. It is not yet clear whether the separate consultations between European representatives and the U.S. delegation will result in a formal role for the European Union in the broader security architecture.
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