Zelenskyy demands Europe become ‘regular part’ of Ukraine talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged European Union governments to play a more active role in the peace negotiations surrounding the conflict in Ukraine, as he met with international leaders on the eve of talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. officials in Moscow. Zelenskyy emphasized that the negotiations extend beyond security guarantees for Ukraine and instead focus on establishing a new framework for security between Europe and Russia.

While acknowledging the current participation of European leaders in the talks, Zelenskyy stressed that the EU needs to become a "regular part" of the negotiations, as they currently lack direct dialogue with Russia. Despite the recent two-day peace talks in Abu Dhabi, which did not result in a breakthrough, EU governments remain divided on the matter, particularly concerning representation.

U.S. President Donald Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are expected to meet Putin on Thursday and provide an update to Zelenskyy later that evening. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism following the Abu Dhabi talks, but emphasized that Ukraine and Europe must be involved in future discussions. Meanwhile, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas remained skeptical, insisting that a ceasefire must precede any peace agreement talks, and argued that the EU's foreign policy should reflect European interests.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for Europe to first agree on its own peace proposals and vision for future security before determining representation. The matter is expected to be discussed at a European Council meeting on Friday.