Europe's Big Five and EU to Join Next US-Mediated Peace Talks

European Council President Antonio Costa announced Friday that Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and EU representatives will join the next round of US-mediated Russia-Ukraine peace talks. The agreement was reached at an informal EU summit in Dublin. Ukraine gains strong backing as European nations join negotiations ahead of the Trump administration's inauguration, which has been reluctant on support. The EU will send representatives from both the Commission and Council. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed Europe's strong presence is vital to protect Ukrainian and European interests. She affirmed continued sanctions against Russia, stating the best way to bring Moscow to negotiations is through sustained support for Ukraine and maximum pressure.