Europe picks five-nation team for Ukraine talks with Moscow

European leaders have agreed on a format for participation in Ukraine peace talks, with a delegation of five states and EU institutions replacing a single special envoy. The final composition has not been announced, and the Kremlin has not yet confirmed consent to their participation. The agreement was announced November 13 by European Council President Antonio Costa after an informal EU summit in Dublin. The delegation will include Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Poland, the European Commission, and the European Council. Costa stated Europe must speak with one clear voice, adding that Ukraine itself should decide territorial issues, the EU should handle integration and reconstruction, and security guarantees fall to the "coalition of the willing" in coordination with NATO. The decision followed disagreements among European leaders over who should negotiate with Moscow. Some backed Costa, others favored EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, while France and Germany opposed giving Brussels exclusive negotiating rights. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is open to contacts but has not confirmed European participation in the next round, while European leaders rejected Russian calls to discuss a broader European security architecture.