US Envoys Pledge EU Seat at Ukraine Peace Table
Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff promised Volodymyr Zelensky in Dublin that European delegates would join the next round of negotiations with Russia.
By Diego Mendoza ·
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Thursday that US special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff pledged to include European Union representatives in the next phase of peace negotiations with Russia. The commitment marks a shift in the diplomatic process, as European leaders have long sought a formal role in discussions that determine the continent's security.
The agreement was reached during a meeting in Dublin on Thursday evening. The visit followed a shuttle diplomatic trip that saw Kushner and Witkoff meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow earlier that day. Putin stated that Russia’s position on the war and its territorial demands remain unchanged, but he indicated a willingness to allow European participation in the talks.
Kushner told Zelensky that the US has worked closely with European partners over the past several months. He said he emphasized to Putin the importance of having European delegates at the table. Zelensky welcomed the move, noting that it gives the EU a voice in negotiations and aligns with Kyiv’s long-term goal of joining the bloc.
The talks follow recent sessions in Abu Dhabi that did not produce a breakthrough. On Thursday, however, Russia and Ukraine agreed to their largest prisoner exchange since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. Kushner described the swap as a return of thousands of people to their families, though specific numbers and a timeline were not provided.
European leaders expressed concern about their security in the region. Kaja Kallas, Vice President of the European Commission, said the Kremlin’s acceptance of a European delegate shows that Moscow recognizes Europe as a major player. She also voiced doubt about Russian momentum toward a final peace deal. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin told reporters that many EU member states feel an existential threat due to the war in Ukraine.
Tensions between the US and Ukraine also surfaced during the day. Zelensky reported that the Ukrainian military is facing systematic restrictions on Starshield, a military-grade satellite service owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. He said these limits are making it difficult to intercept Russian jet-powered drones. Approximately one-fifth of Ukraine remains under Russian control, and cross-border incursions are becoming more frequent.
