With France seeking a role in the Abu Dhabi talks and Russia rejecting a wider trilateral table, what negotiating arrangement is best?
France said European countries would join discussions linked to Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi. The talks were scheduled for 10 and 11 November. A Russian spokesperson said the main negotiation would include only Russia, Ukraine and the United States. The precise European role therefore remained disputed on 9 November. Security guarantees and the future of Ukraine are central issues.