France to take part in Ukraine-US-Russia talks in Abu Dhabi

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has said that France will take part in trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US and Russia in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, on 10–11 November. The negotiations concern Russia's war against Ukraine, and until now it had not been clear whether European states would be involved.

Barrot spoke on the radio station RTL. He said Europeans would be "fittingly represented" in the talks. The minister stated that France would travel to Abu Dhabi but could not yet say who would represent it, adding that "France will undoubtedly be there."

Barrot also noted that in recent weeks Europeans had made themselves heard. According to him, the American mediator has been told clearly that no discussions on the future of the continent can ignore European expectations and demands. He said France would make sure Europe's voice is heard, since Europe is the party most directly affected.

Background

Steve Witkoff, special envoy of US President Donald Trump, had announced that trilateral negotiations between the US, Ukraine and Russia would take place on 10–11 November in Abu Dhabi and would focus on further steps towards peace. Trump, for his part, said he met privately on 5 November with Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and announced a "big agreement" that he said would concern Ukraine, Russia and the rest of Europe.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski earlier warned European allies against negotiating an end to the Russia-Ukraine war without taking into account the security interests of Eastern Europe.