Europe's Role in Ukraine Peace Talks Hangs in Balance

European leaders gathered in Dublin on November 12 to demand a seat at Ukraine peace negotiations, while US envoys shuttled messages from Moscow, highlighting Europe's uncertain role in deciding the conflict's outcome. The European Political Community summit addressed security, hybrid threats, and energy, with leaders insisting Ukraine must choose its own alliances and rejecting spheres of influence. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met separately with President Zelensky, announcing European participation in future talks, though territorial disputes and security guarantees remain unresolved. Russia continues to reject European troops in Ukraine post-war, and questions persist over who will represent Europe, with Germany blocking a single envoy in favor of the E5 format. Romania closely monitors Black Sea navigation guarantees and eastern flank security provisions.