European leaders in Dublin wary of Russian traps in Ukraine talks

European leaders meeting in Dublin expressed determination not to fall into Russian traps as the US dangles the prospect of their active participation in upcoming Ukraine peace talks. They remain cautious and divided over appointing a single special envoy. US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff shuttled between Moscow and Dublin, meeting Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, and announced Europeans would join the next negotiation round. However, at Abu Dhabi talks midweek, European representatives were relegated to spectator status, waiting in hotel lobbies. Russia maintains ambiguity and sets conditions, fueling European skepticism about whether the invitation is genuine or a lure. The 27 member states still disagree on unified representation, highlighting persistent internal divisions amid the diplomatic maneuvering.