The Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi will include key national security advisers from several European nations, including France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. The discussions will also feature senior officials from NATO, the European Commission, and the European Council. This involvement follows a call from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who expressed concerns about potential fragmentation within the EU in a letter to European Council President António Costa last week.
However, European representatives are not anticipated to take part in the main negotiations, according to two senior officials familiar with the situation. A German official indicated that the structure of the discussions will evolve as they progress, while reports suggest that the Kremlin has opposed direct European involvement in the talks.
Key European Players in Abu Dhabi
Günter Sautter, serving as the foreign and security policy adviser to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is a notable figure among the European contingent. Sautter has played a crucial role in Europe’s strategy to facilitate peace in Ukraine, ensuring that European nations have a voice in the negotiations.
In addition to representing Germany in the E3 grouping, Sautter is also coordinating the “Berlin Format,” which seeks to unite Ukraine, the E3, and other European nations, along with NATO and the EU, to align their efforts in supporting Ukraine and guiding peace talks.
Last week, during a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Chancellor Merz highlighted Sautter’s commitment to diplomatic initiatives, stating that Sautter is dedicating significant effort towards ending the ongoing conflict.
As the talks continue, the dynamics among the participants will evolve, waiting for further developments on how various nations will engage in discussions surrounding Ukraine’s future.
