Europe Struggles to Choose Its Single Voice for Russia Talks

European leaders are poised to gain a seat in negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, but they are struggling to agree on who should represent the continent in the talks. U.S. envoy Jared Kushner said Thursday that Europe uniting behind one spokesperson would be a greater achievement than securing a place at the table, highlighting concerns that internal divisions could undermine European influence. Kushner and fellow negotiator Steve Witkoff pushed to include Europeans after Russia demanded postwar security in Europe be discussed, with Moscow seeking changes to the continent’s defense posture. European officials have rejected Russian suggestions to alter their security arrangements, insisting they decide their own defense policies. Russia has historically sought to reduce NATO operations near its borders, and the U.S. envoys have shown openness to expanding the talks’ scope to resolve the impasse.