Brussels is hosting a meeting today that includes representatives from the European Union, Washington, NATO and European countries to discuss preparations for the upcoming negotiations between Russia, the United States and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi.
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Politico magazine, citing three EU officials and diplomats, reported that Brussels is hosting representatives from Kyiv, NATO, the United States, and three European countries – France, Germany, and Britain – this afternoon to discuss the reconstruction of Ukraine and preparations for peace talks with Russia scheduled for next week in Abu Dhabi.
According to the magazine, disagreements still exist between the European Union and the United States regarding some potential settlement issues.
She added that Björn Seibert, Chief of Staff to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, would represent the Commission at today's meeting, while Ana Maria Bora would represent the European Council. The names of the US and Ukrainian representatives participating in the consultations have not yet been announced.
The magazine noted that holding the meeting in Brussels reflects the European Union's desire for a greater presence in the process of settling the Ukrainian conflict, which has been mediated by the United States in the past.
She also noted the continuing disagreements within the European Union about who should represent it in the negotiations, and the continued dissatisfaction in Europe regarding some of the moves by the American negotiators.
European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinault had previously confirmed that a meeting would be held in Brussels on November 4 with representatives from Ukraine, the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, NATO, and the World Bank.
The next round of trilateral negotiations between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine is scheduled for November 10 and 11 in Abu Dhabi.
US President's Special Envoy Steve Wittkopf said the parties intend to discuss security guarantees, de-escalation, humanitarian issues and next steps toward a peaceful settlement.
The Kremlin confirmed the participation of the Russian delegation in the negotiations, headed by Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky.