Europe presses for a role in Russia-Ukraine talks

European foreign ministers urged U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Paris to ensure Europe has a role in resolving Russia’s war against Ukraine, as U.S.-mediated talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States were scheduled to begin in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and Wednesday.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told Rubio that Europe must be included in any settlement. He said there could be no solution without Europe, and argued that a fundamental change to Europe’s security architecture was neither necessary nor appropriate. The discussions took place Monday during a meeting of Group of Seven foreign ministers in Paris, which continues through Tuesday.

Rubio said the United States had no objection to European involvement in direct talks eventually, but that the time had not yet come. He described European participation as potentially positive while saying the parties still had progress to make. The Abu Dhabi meeting was announced as a trilateral format among Russia, Ukraine and the United States.

Two U.S. officials said European and NATO representatives would not take part in the main talks, but would discuss potential security guarantees and long-term security...