France announces its participation in peace talks on Ukraine in Abu Dhabi

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that his country will participate in peace talks that will be held next week, aiming to push towards reaching an agreement to end the war in Ukraine.

These talks, scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, were arranged by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and delegations from Ukraine and Russia are expected to participate in them.

Barrow said, in statements to French radio RTL, on Sunday: “The Europeans will have a strong presence, and France will be present in Abu Dhabi to participate in these discussions.”

He added: "I cannot determine who will represent France on this occasion yet, but she will be present."

He continued: "The Europeans have made their voices heard in recent weeks, as they assured the American mediator that any discussion related to the future of the continent cannot ignore our aspirations and demands. France will work to make Europe's voice heard."

The Russian delegation is scheduled to include Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Head of Military Intelligence Igor Kostyukov, and Member of the General Staff Yuri Zhigarlovsky, along with Kremlin Aide Vladimir Medinsky, who will head the delegation.

Medinsky previously participated in the negotiations held last year in the Turkish city of Istanbul.

On the other hand, the formation of the Ukrainian delegation participating in the talks has not yet been announced.

For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday: “If Putin makes a decision to stop the war, calm can prevail. Ukraine does not need anyone to convince it of the necessity of achieving peace as soon as possible. Rather, Russia must decide that the time for war has passed.”