Wadephul Doubts Russia's Willingness to Negotiate as Ukraine Talks Begin in Abu Dhabi

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has expressed skepticism about Russia's willingness to negotiate ahead of Ukraine peace talks starting Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, questioning whether Moscow is serious or staging a "negotiation show." Wadephul called on Russia to abandon its "maximal demands" and insisted Europeans must have a seat at the negotiating table. He rejected US proposals for a new European security architecture, citing existing international treaties, while US envoy Jared Kushner outlined an agenda covering conflict resolution, economic recovery, and humanitarian aid. Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov announced separate coordination meetings with European partners, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said positions were aligned with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said "collective security" is a key topic.