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France announces European participation in Abu Dhabi Ukraine talks
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EU representation confirmed, but direct talks with Russia remain uncertain
The European Commission and European Council will send a joint team led by Bjoern Seibert and Anna-Maria Boura to Abu Dhabi for the November 10–11 Ukraine peace talks, Euronews reported on November 9. This adds named EU representatives to France’s earlier announcement of European participation. A senior EU diplomat separately confirmed European representation to the Kyiv Independent but said the format remained unclear. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said negotiations would remain trilateral between Russia, Ukraine and the United States. European attendance therefore does not establish participation in direct negotiations with Russia. The timestamp records Euronews’s publication, not the announcement’s exact time. Assessment window: November 8, 11:09:20.917 UTC–November 9, 11:09:20.917 UTC.
EU to send joint team to Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Abu Dhabi · Kremlin Denies that Europeans Will Participate in Abu Dhabi Peace Talks · Europe's attendance at Abu Dhabi peace talks, clarified
Barrot says France and other Europeans will participate
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on November 8 that France and other Europeans would participate in the U.S.-mediated Ukraine talks scheduled for November 10–11 in Abu Dhabi, AFP reported. The meetings had previously been described as talks among Ukrainian, Russian and U.S. officials. Barrot’s statement adds announced European participation, but the report says participants’ identities had not been made public. Attendance does not itself establish agreement on settlement terms or a ceasefire.
AFP/CNA: Europe will be represented at US-mediated Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi: France