European representatives are set to participate in the upcoming peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to U.S. envoy Jared Kushner. This announcement follows Kushner’s discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where detailed and productive talks reportedly took place.
Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Dublin, Kushner emphasized the importance of European involvement, stating that a peace agreement cannot be finalized without the participation of European countries. Zelensky echoed this sentiment, affirming that European nations must have a voice in the negotiations as the war is occurring on European soil. He also confirmed that Russia had agreed to a prisoner exchange, which could potentially be one of the largest exchanges of its kind, allowing thousands of soldiers to reunite with their families.
The announcement comes after meetings involving Kushner and U.S. representative Steve Witkoff, who briefed Zelensky following their discussions in Moscow. These developments pave the way for European participation in the next round of negotiations.
European leaders have expressed the need for a unified stance on Ukraine’s future security. French President Emmanuel Macron underscored the necessity for European countries to take greater responsibility in supporting Ukraine, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted the importance of bringing President Putin to the negotiating table.
Zelensky also urged European leaders to remain vigilant against any attempts to reshape the continent’s security arrangements without their input. He called for continued progress on Ukraine’s negotiations for European Union membership, stressing the significance of Europe’s role in the peace process.