Europeans will join Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi, French foreign minister says

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Europeans to join Abu Dhabi Ukraine talks as Russia sends high-level delegation

   French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed European nations will participate in U.S.-brokered Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi, despite Kremlin objections. Russia is sending a high-level delegation including diplomats and military officials, while Ukraine's delegation will be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The talks follow a series of diplomatic engagements involving U.S. envoys and precede a planned Moscow trip by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Ukrainian officials express restrained optimism about a potential Putin-Zelenskyy meeting.

   Why it matters

   The Abu Dhabi talks represent a significant diplomatic push to advance ceasefire negotiations after months of stalled efforts. European inclusion marks a shift from earlier U.S.-Russia bilateral formats, addressing Kyiv's demand for European security guarantees. Russia's upgraded delegation signals seriousness, though Zelenskyy has warned that proposals from the Trump administration could be dangerous for Ukraine's sovereignty.

   What is confirmed

   • French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Europeans will join the Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi.
   • The Kremlin said Russian diplomats and military officials will join talks with the U.S. and Ukraine.
   • Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will lead Ukraine's delegation in Abu Dhabi.
   • A top Ukrainian official expressed restrained optimism about an eventual Putin-Zelenskyy meeting.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Jared Kushner said the Witkoff-Kushner Moscow trip will start Thursday after Abu Dhabi talks ended without a clear breakthrough.

   What to watch next

   • Outcome of Abu Dhabi talks and any joint statement
   • Whether a Putin-Zelenskyy meeting is scheduled
   • Details of European security guarantees discussed
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. consent.yahoo.com — Latest news and current events updates | Yahoo News Singapore
   2. CBS News — Top Ukrainian official expresses "restrained optimism" about eventual Putin-Zelenskyy meeting ahead of trilateral talks
   3. Reuters — Russian diplomats and military officials to join talks with US and Ukraine, Kremlin says
   4. Politico — Russia upgrades Abu Dhabi delegation as Zelenskyy warns Trump's plan is dangerous
   5. The Kyiv Independent — Umerov to lead Ukraine delegation in Abu Dhabi peace talks despite media confusion, top official confirms
   6. Reuters — Europeans will join Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi, French foreign minister says
   7. Kyiv Post — Russia Sends High-Level Delegation to Abu Dhabi Talks
   8. politico.eu — Europe will be represented in Abu Dhabi talks on Ukraine, French foreign minister says
   9. Euronews.com — Europeans to join Russia-Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi, says France
   10. NPR — Europe to join U.S.-brokered Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi, defying Kremlin objections
   11. The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: post war ‘security guarantees’ a key focus in upcoming Abu Dhabi talks, says Rubio
   12. minutemirror.com.pk — Witkoff Kushner Moscow trip follows Abu Dhabi talks
   confidence 90%