Russia agrees to include Europe in Ukraine peace talks

U.S. envoy Jared Kushner announced Thursday that Russia has agreed to include European participation in direct negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war, following three days of talks in Abu Dhabi. Kushner stated both sides agreed to expand the next round of negotiations to include European partners, addressing postwar security arrangements alongside territorial issues. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Friday that Europe must demonstrate its commitment to peace before Russia permits their involvement. European diplomats were present but sidelined during the Abu Dhabi talks. The U.S. and Ukraine have pushed for a single European representative, with Peskov declining to comment on potential candidates like French President Emmanuel Macron or EU policy chief Kaja Kallas, who stressed Europe's need to influence negotiation outcomes.