Europe and Ukraine gain a seat at peace talks as Putin stalls

Russia has agreed to allow European negotiators to join peace talks on Ukraine, a shift after nearly two years of sidelining Europe. The move follows Thursday’s Moscow meeting between President Vladimir Putin and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the development, stressing Europe’s role in security guarantees and future EU membership. EU diplomat Kaja Kallas said any agreement needs Europe, given its sanctions and frozen Russian assets, though who will represent Europe remains unclear. Russia tempered the announcement, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov demanding Europe show willingness to contribute to peace. Moscow also reiterated maximalist demands, including NATO withdrawal from eastern Europe, and warned European troops would prolong war, suggesting Putin may use talks to stall while continuing military pressure.