The European Union says it will take part in meetings in Abu Dhabi this week as diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine continue. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the EU would be present in Abu Dhabi alongside its partners.
At a briefing on Monday, a Commission spokesperson confirmed that the bloc would participate in meetings in Abu Dhabi and said it would be represented at security-adviser level. The exact format has not yet been settled.
That leaves open whether EU officials will take part directly in the planned trilateral session involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States. The Commission said the EU needs to be present when discussions concern its own security framework and interests.
Von der Leyen and Zelenskyy also discussed security in the Black Sea. She said freedom of navigation must be restored and preserved, and reiterated her support for Zelenskyy’s call for a ceasefire covering food and energy infrastructure.
Von der Leyen said she expects to meet Zelenskyy in Dublin later this week, where leaders will discuss further steps towards peace.
