Europe's Five Nations to Lead Ukraine Peace Talks as Kremlin Casts Doubt

Five European nations—France, Germany, the UK, Poland, and Italy—will represent Europe in upcoming Ukraine peace talks, despite Moscow's claims it hasn't lifted its veto on an expanded format. The decision was announced by European Council President Antonio Costa after an EU summit in Dublin. While US envoys claimed Russia agreed to European participation, the Kremlin said it needs to verify Europe's "true intentions" first. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz dismissed this as Moscow's "usual game." Europeans insist on a ceasefire before discussing Russia's security architecture demands, which they view as a distraction. They also fear potential surprises from next week's Trump-Putin meeting in China, urging the US president to "stay on the Europe and Ukraine team."