Ukraine’s president has welcomed a pledge from US envoys to include European Union delegates in the next round of peace talks with Russia. Volodymyr Zelensky stated that bringing European representatives into the negotiations would ensure the EU has a “voice” in discussions that will shape the continent’s future security.
The announcement follows a day of intense shuttle diplomacy by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, the special envoys appointed by the US government. The pair met with Zelensky in Dublin on Thursday evening, shortly after holding talks with Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Their efforts come in the wake of failed negotiations in Abu Dhabi last week, which did not result in a breakthrough to end the war.
Shuttle Diplomacy and Prisoner Exchange
Kushner and Witkoff traveled to Moscow earlier on Thursday to speak with the Russian president. According to reports, Putin maintained that Russia’s position on the war has not changed, particularly regarding its demand for territory. Despite this stalemate, the two days of diplomacy did yield a tangible result. Russia and Ukraine agreed to another prisoner exchange, described as the largest swap since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Kushner noted that the exchange would return “thousands of people to their families.” He did not provide specific details regarding the number of prisoners involved or the timeline for the release. The agreement marks a rare moment of cooperation between the two sides amid ongoing hostilities.
European Security and Strategic Concerns
Zelensky has long advocated for European involvement in peace processes, citing Ukraine’s ambition to join the European Union. He argued that European delegates are essential for ensuring long-term stability and security on the continent. Kushner confirmed that the US has been working closely with European partners over the past several months. He emphasized to Putin the importance of having European representatives “at the table” during any future negotiations.
European leaders have expressed deepening concerns about their security in recent weeks. Kaja Kallas, Vice President of the European Commission and the EU’s top diplomat, told the BBC that the presence of a European delegate signals that the Kremlin now recognizes Europe as a major player. However, she expressed doubt that Russia is currently moving toward a genuine peace deal.
Micheál Martin, the Taoiseach of Ireland, told fellow European leaders gathered in Dublin that the security of the region has been “fundamentally reshaped” by the war. He warned that many EU member states feel an existential threat due to the conflict and the potential for further aggression if Ukraine were to fall. Approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory remains under Russian control, and cross-border incursions have become more frequent.
Tensions between the US and Ukraine were visible before the Dublin meeting. Zelensky reported that the Ukrainian military is facing increased restrictions on Starlink’s military-grade satellite service, Starshield. He stated that these limitations are hindering Kyiv’s ability to intercept Russian jet-powered drones. The SpaceX-owned technology has been vital for government and military communications on the front lines.
Source: BBC
