Europe joins next round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed U.S. efforts by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to include the European Union in the next round of peace talks with Russia, giving Europe a voice in negotiations. Speaking in Dublin, Zelensky said the move addresses longstanding calls from European leaders for involvement amid security concerns. Kushner reported Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to consider European delegates at the table following U.S.-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi. The format of European representation remains unclear, with options including EU officials or a single delegate from member states. Kushner criticized Europe's lack of unified leadership, while Russia linked participation to demands for a revised continental defense posture.