As Abu Dhabi talks open, European diplomats press Rubio for a role in Russia and Ukraine peace talks

Europe seeks a place at the table

At a meeting in Paris, European foreign ministers told Rubio that Europe must be included in any settlement of Russia’s war on Ukraine. The talks in Abu Dhabi are being mediated by the United States.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Europe must be involved in reaching a solution. He also said the Abu Dhabi discussions should reveal whether Moscow is genuinely ready to negotiate.

Wadephul urged Russia to abandon maximalist demands and cautioned against talks that amount to a performance. The negotiations are taking place in the United Arab Emirates capital.

Allies raise concerns in Paris

The G7 foreign ministers gathered in Paris before the Abu Dhabi talks. Rubio’s meeting with allies was his first since last week’s midterm elections, when Donald Trump’s Republican Party suffered major losses.

The gathering allowed Washington’s partners to speak directly with Rubio about their concerns. Those concerns include Trump’s growing calls for a new security architecture in Europe. G7 members have also become more uneasy about US policy, including reduced support for Ukraine, fewer sanctions on Russia and a more unilateral approach by Washington.

Wider questions remain unresolved

Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, is expected to attend a Paris session on Ukraine on Tuesday. Iran is also expected to figure prominently in the discussions that day.

Al Jazeera correspondent Rebecca Collard, reporting from Paris, said the first day ended without much clarity about US policy after the midterm elections. She said the meetings also raise questions about the future of multilateralism in relations among the countries.

The Paris discussions are therefore addressing both the war and the way major powers work together. European ministers’ call for a role comes amid uncertainty over the direction of US policy.