Europe joins preparations for Ukraine peace talks
European leaders want to be involved in security discussions; France’s role and Tuesday’s start in Abu Dhabi remain uncertain.
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European countries are joining the diplomatic preparations for new talks on the war in Ukraine. The trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia and the United States is scheduled, according to the sources consulted, for Tuesday and Wednesday in Abu Dhabi.
According to AP, the talks are intended to break the deadlock over ending the war. The precise agenda has not been made public, but security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe’s role are among the issues raised during the preparations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on 6 November that he had spoken with leaders of the Nordic and Baltic countries about preparations for the meeting in Abu Dhabi. According to his office, the European countries believe that security issues in Europe cannot be discussed without European participation.
France is also mentioned as part of the European involvement. That does not mean that a European negotiating mandate or agreement is already in place. The sources mainly describe consultations and coordination ahead of the trilateral meeting.
The expected participants are Russia, Ukraine and the United States. AP wrote that the talks are intended to bring an end to the war closer, but that territorial issues and security guarantees remain unresolved. It is uncertain whether a new round on these issues will produce agreement.
For the Netherlands, Europe’s role is relevant because decisions on a possible peace agreement could have consequences for European security, sanctions, defence and support for Ukraine. European countries want to retain influence over security arrangements, while the talks themselves are initially being conducted between Washington, Kyiv and Moscow.
There was no indication on Sunday that the meeting had already produced results. The next concrete step is the planned gathering in Abu Dhabi. It remains uncertain whether all announced delegations will actually take part and whether the talks will lead to a joint statement.
Also show the region and a close-up
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- New talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States are planned for Abu Dhabi.
- European countries are making political preparations for the meeting.
- Ukraine says European participation in security issues is necessary.
- There is still no agreement on territory or security guarantees.
Left
Arguments Emphasises that Ukraine and Europe themselves must be at the table because an imposed agreement without Ukrainian consent would not be sustainable or just.
Values Self-determination, the international rule of law and the protection of civilians.
Consequences Fears that rapid negotiations without firm guarantees would produce a temporary pause, after which the conflict would flare up again.
Centre
Arguments Emphasises pragmatic diplomacy: talks are needed to reduce risks, but agreements must be verifiable and implementable by all parties involved.
Values Stability, institutional involvement and feasibility.
Consequences Wants to combine European influence with room for American mediation and a realistic negotiating agenda.
Right
Arguments Emphasises that peace will be lasting only if Russia faces clear security-policy costs and Ukraine retains sufficient deterrence.
Values National sovereignty, deterrence and security.
Consequences Fears that European divisions or premature concessions would give Russia room to exert pressure again later.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The preparations for the trilateral talks and European involvement have been confirmed by the Ukrainian presidency and AP. The text explicitly keeps the outcome, participation and existence of a European mandate uncertain.
- confirmed A trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia and the United States is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi. — Reported by AP and the Ukrainian presidency. source
- confirmed European leaders discussed the preparations and believe European participation in security issues is necessary. — According to the Ukrainian presidency’s account. source
- confirmed Territorial issues and security guarantees remain unresolved. — AP describes these issues as remaining obstacles. source
Editor's note
The planned talks and the European preparations have been confirmed. There is still no agreement, no established European negotiating mandate and no certainty about the outcome.Sources
- The President Discussed Preparations for a Trilateral Meeting in Abu Dhabi With NB8 Leaders — President of Ukraine
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy presses Western allies for clear postwar security guarantees — Associated Press
- U.S., Russia and Ukraine to resume peace talks next week, Witkoff says — Axios
More on this in Dutch media
- NOS — „oekraïne rusland”
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- Trouw — „oekraïne rusland”