As Ukraine Peace Talks Broaden, Europe Haggles Over Who Will Represent It to Russia
A seat, but no speaker
European leaders have spent months watching negotiations over Russia’s war in Ukraine from the margins, hoping to take part. They now expect to gain a place in the discussions, but have not agreed on who should represent them. The choice could affect how much time and influence European officials have in negotiations, amid divisions over who should speak for the continent.
Security enters negotiations
During discussions in the United Arab Emirates, Russia insisted that Europe’s postwar security be included in the talks, according to the report. Russian negotiators made clear that they want Europe to change how it protects itself as a condition of ending the war.
Russia has previously pressed for fewer NATO operations near its border. European officials have rejected the proposed changes, arguing that the continent—not the Kremlin—should decide its security arrangements.
U.S. negotiators widen scope
Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, the lead U.S. negotiators, pushed this week to bring Europeans into the talks. They also showed openness to expanding the negotiations’ scope in an effort to break an impasse over discussions about the war. Kushner’s criticism highlighted the risk that internal European divisions could delay officials and reduce their influence.
Key points
- European leaders expect to join Ukraine war negotiations but have not chosen a representative.
- Russia wants changes to Europe’s security arrangements as a condition of ending the war.
- European officials say the continent, not the Kremlin, decides its security.
- U.S. negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff pushed to add Europeans to the talks.