European governments remain outside negotiations that could shape the continent’s security, as Russia, Ukraine, and the US began talks in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday despite repeated European demands for a seat at the table.
As the discussions kicked off, no representatives from Western Europe could be seen at the main negotiating table. EU and UK envoys did, however, meet with the US delegation and the Ukrainian team shortly before the main talks.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot previously claimed that Europeans would be “well represented” in Abu Dhabi, while German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul insisted that “Europe belongs at that table,” arguing that “there can be no solution without Europe, only with Europe.”
Those demands, however, follow years of European governments repeatedly shunning direct contact with Moscow while continuing to supply Kiev with weapons and money. Attempts to reopen dialogue have only exposed divisions, with Finland and Norway’s leaders recently coming under fire for daring to break rank and unilaterally contact Vladimir Putin.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who has consistently antagonized Russia and dragged the bloc down the warpath against Moscow, has attempted to dismiss the Abu Dhabi talks altogether, stating she has low expectations for the negotiations, accusing Russia of showing no willingness to negotiate in good faith, and demanding a ceasefire. The diplomat has also shunned Washington’s peace efforts, accusing it of trying to force Kiev to surrender.
Moscow has stressed that European leaders have lost all credibility after repeatedly failing to uphold previous peace agreements while continuing to supply Kiev with more arms and funds that only serve to prolong the conflict.
Russia has also consistently rejected continued European demands for an unconditional ceasefire, arguing that it would only temporarily freeze the conflict and allow Kiev to rest and rearm with even more Western weapons.
Watch RT Europe correspondent Chay Bowes’s full report below.