The key facts

  • The national security advisers of Germany, France and the UK will take part in the talks in Abu Dhabi
  • This is the fourth round of US-mediated talks and the first since the Geneva meeting in February
  • Moscow insists on a strictly trilateral format without direct European participation

Europeans included in the negotiation process

The national security advisers of Germany, France and the United Kingdom will take part in talks on the settlement in Ukraine, to be held in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and Wednesday. The German government spokesperson announced this on Monday at a press conference in Berlin, Anadolu reports.

Format of participation remains unclear

Deputy government spokesperson Steffen Meyer emphasized the importance of Europe's involvement: 'It is important for us that we are part of this process. We have always stressed this, because we seek to represent not only Ukrainian interests, but also the interests of European security.' Asked whether the European advisers would sit at the main negotiating table or hold separate meetings with the Ukrainian side, he declined to answer, noting that talks spanning several days 'always have a certain dynamic,' and did not disclose the composition, seating arrangements or other details.

Contradiction with Moscow's position

Berlin's position diverges from Moscow's long-stated stance: the Russian side insists that the US-mediated talks must remain strictly trilateral — involving only Russia, Ukraine and the United States, with no direct seat for European powers at the negotiating table. Meyer nevertheless stated that Europe has 'substantive interests' in these talks, which it will defend on the ground. The upcoming round will be the fourth under the Trump administration and the first since the meetings in Geneva in February.