Putin allows European role in Ukraine talks; Zelenskiy welcomes move

Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed Thursday to allow European representatives to join the next round of Ukraine peace talks, a US envoy announced, while warning Washington to clarify whether its European allies seek peace or war. US envoy Steve Witkoff announced the development after meeting Putin in the Kremlin, calling it a significant moment, and he and fellow envoy Jared Kushner later met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Ireland, who welcomed the prospect of European participation. However, Putin signaled deep divisions, warning that European plans to send troops into Ukraine post-deal would trigger renewed war, while Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov did not confirm the European role. The talks follow the first direct US-mediated Russia-Ukraine negotiations in nine months in Abu Dhabi, with major differences remaining on territorial issues, as Russia holds about one-fifth of Ukraine. Zelenskiy also reported significant disruptions to the US-made Starshield satellite communications service affecting the front line, and Putin proposed a joint humanitarian mission to Kostiantynivka, which Ukraine disputes controlling.