In brief
French Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot announced that Europe will take part in the U.S.-mediated talks on the war between Russia and Ukraine, scheduled for Nov. 10‑11 in Abu Dhabi. Barrot said France will be present and that Europe’s voice will be heard, although he did not name a specific representative. The remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with discussions still stalled on key issues.
Paris, Nov. 8 – French Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot said that Europe will be represented at the U.S.-led talks scheduled for Nov. 10‑11 in Abu Dhabi that aim to end the Russia‑Ukraine conflict, according to a Xinhua report. Barrot, speaking on the RTL programme Le Grand jury, called for the full involvement of European leaders in the negotiations, stressing that Europe’s perspective must be part of the discussion.
Jean‑Noël Barrot said:
“The Europeans will be represented, and France will be in Abu Dhabi to participate in these talks.”
Barrot did not specify which French diplomat would attend or any particular European official who would stand in for the continent.
Jean‑Noël Barrot added:
“France will be there, and it will make the voice of Europe heard.”
In an earlier remark, Barrot highlighted that “there have been discussions at times without the Europeans, but they have made it clear to the American mediators that no discussion concerning the future of this continent can ignore our expectations and demands.”
Jean‑Noël Barrot said:
“In any case, we will not let anyone speak on our behalf, that is very clear.”
The U.S.-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi are set to involve representatives from Russia and Ukraine, with the United States as the lead mediator. They are scheduled for Nov. 10‑11 and will address unresolved issues such as territorial claims and security guarantees that have kept the parties from reaching a settlement.
Despite the diplomatic push, fighting remains active on the front lines, with recent air and drone strikes reported in both sides of the conflict. The persistence of hostilities continues to underscore the urgency of the negotiations.
Barrot’s statements come just before the talks commence, signaling France’s and Europe’s commitment to shaping the outcomes of the negotiations.
