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EU and five governments to send diplomats to Ukraine talks
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
The latest development is that the European Union and five national governments will send a team of diplomats to the next round of Ukraine talks, following an agreement announced by a senior EU official. European leaders want a say in negotiations that could shape Ukraine’s future and the security of the wider continent.
European Council President Antonio Costa said the team would represent the 27-member EU and the U.K., France, Germany, Italy and Poland, which support Ukraine through the Coalition of the Willing. The move follows U.S.-brokered talks between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi, where European officials attended discussions nearby but not the main talks. Leaders had debated whether Europe should send one representative or a team; Russia has opposed European countries taking part directly.
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In short
- Europe will send diplomats to the next round of Ukraine talks.
- The team will represent the EU and five countries.
- European leaders want influence over a deal affecting continental security.
How this story developed
- 33 minutes ago European Council President Antonio Costa announced that diplomats representing the EU, the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Poland would attend the next round of Ukraine talks, despite disagreement among leaders over whether Europe should send one representative or a team.
- 39 minutes ago EU leaders said Europe wanted a say in negotiations that could shape Ukraine’s future and the continent’s security, after European officials were kept out of the main US-brokered talks between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
European governments can argue that any settlement will shape Ukraine’s sovereignty and Europe’s security, so those affected should have a voice in the negotiations. Their participation could also help build support for implementing and sustaining an agreement, while a team representing key countries and the EU may bring relevant commitments and perspectives.
The case against
Those favouring talks led by the United States, Ukraine and Russia could argue that limiting the negotiating table to the parties directly involved may make discussions more focused and manageable. They may also see a unified European position as difficult to achieve across several governments, and contend that outside participation could complicate efforts to reach agreement.
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Originally published by PBS NewsHour as “Europe to send a diplomat team to Ukraine talks as leaders push for a voice”.