The presence of European representatives in Abu Dhabi—even if they do not participate in the trilateral meeting on Ukraine—could complicate the negotiation process, as the Ukrainians and Americans might consult with them and take their views into account, acknowledged Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian President.
Earlier, Ushakov informed reporters that, at present, an agreement exists only regarding trilateral contacts between Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine. He made this comment in response to a report by the Financial Times suggesting that Washington views Great Britain, France, and Germany as European negotiators on the issue of Ukraine.
Ushakov added that a date for the trilateral negotiations between Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine has not yet been determined. Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the President of the Russian Federation, also suggested that Europe's participation in negotiations regarding Ukraine might become necessary at some stage.
