Europe Seeks Role in Ukraine Peace Talks

At the Dublin summit, European leaders pressed for a role in negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine after recent U.S.-Russia-Ukraine discussions in Abu Dhabi largely excluded them. Jared Kushner said Russia and Ukraine had agreed to include European representatives in the next round, but Moscow said no decision had been made and questioned Europe’s willingness to contribute. Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged European governments to choose a unified representative or small team by the end of November, ideally at the November 19 Coalition of the Willing summit, and said Kyiv should be consulted; European leaders remain divided over who should represent them. A broader-format meeting is expected soon, potentially after the November 19 summit, but the talks show little sign of a breakthrough amid Russia’s hard-line demands. Kaja Kallas called for a ceasefire before broader discussions of Russia’s demands for a European security framework, which European leaders warn could distract from the war and aid to Ukraine; Emmanuel Macron urged Europe to develop a common peace proposal and security vision. European leaders are also weighing further financial support for Kyiv, including assistance of up to €45 billion for 2027.