Europe joins Ukraine peace talks as Russia and US push for prisoner exchange. US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff confirmed European participation in the next round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, following talks in Abu Dhabi and Moscow. The inclusion of European nations marks a significant step in efforts to end the war, with both sides agreeing to focus on prisoner exchange and broader security arrangements.
The talks, brokered by the US, include European representatives in the next round of negotiations, a move that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed. Zelensky emphasized the importance of European involvement, stating that the war is primarily a European security issue. Kushner confirmed that Putin agreed to allow European participation, though Russia's position remains firm on its demands.
The inclusion of Europe in the peace talks is a key development, with both Ukraine and Russia acknowledging that significant differences remain, particularly on territorial issues. Despite progress, the conflict continues, with Russia holding a fifth of Ukraine and Kyiv refusing to give up the rest of its eastern region. The talks aim to address these issues and ensure a lasting end to the fighting.
Russia has not confirmed the agreement for European participation, and the details of the prisoner exchange remain unclear. The talks are part of broader efforts to resolve the conflict, with both sides agreeing to focus on security arrangements and the potential for a large-scale prisoner exchange, though no final agreement has been reached.