EU picks five nations to represent Europe in Ukraine peace talks

European Union leaders agreed Friday to send a team of diplomats from the EU and five member states—the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland—to represent Europe in upcoming Ukraine peace talks, aiming to avoid being sidelined in negotiations. European Council President Antonio Costa announced the decision after a summit in Dublin, stating Europe must speak with a united voice. The move follows concerns that US-backed trilateral talks between Moscow, Washington, and Kyiv could leave Europe excluded from shaping the conflict's outcome. The Kremlin has not confirmed European participation, resisting direct talks with countries it accuses of arming Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged US President Donald Trump to avoid surprises in upcoming talks with Putin, while EU diplomats debated whether a single envoy or team should lead representation.