France confirms European role at US-brokered Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi

Europe will be represented at US-mediated Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi, France confirmed Sunday, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stating France will participate to ensure Europe's voice is heard. The talks, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, were previously framed as a trilateral format involving officials from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, though participant identities have not been disclosed. Barrot noted past discussions sometimes excluded Europeans, but this time they will take part. The announcement follows US envoy Jared Kushner's remarks on a broader European security architecture, which European allies view warily given Moscow's past demands to rewrite security arrangements, including rejected NATO troop withdrawal ultimatums before the 2022 invasion.