European countries are sending high-level representatives to Abu Dhabi, where the negotiations between Russia, the United States and Ukraine will take place on November 10-11. France will be represented by President Emmanuel Bonn's diplomatic adviser, Germany by Chancellor Gunther Sauter's adviser, and Britain by National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell. Chief of Staff Bjorn Seibert will come from the European Commission.
The Kremlin, however, has already emphasized that direct negotiations will remain tripartite. The main issue is the approach of the Europeans to the discussion of the future agreement. The United States and Ukraine have their own channels of communication with their EU partners and can coordinate positions with them separately. Contacts of the Russian delegation with them have not yet been concluded.
European governments are seeking influence over discussions on security guarantees and Russia's future relationship with NATO. Of particular concern is the idea proposed by Jared Kushner to simultaneously discuss the cessation of hostilities and a new security system in Europe. In the capitals of Europe, they insist on the opposite sequence: first the end of the war, then negotiations.