Russia says Europe must show commitment to join Ukraine peace talks

Russia said Friday that European nations must demonstrate readiness to contribute to Ukraine peace efforts before being included in negotiations, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noting no commitment has been made to their participation. US negotiators claimed Thursday that President Vladimir Putin agreed to European involvement in talks, which have involved Russian, Ukrainian, and US officials meeting in Abu Dhabi this week for the first time in nine months. Peskov said Moscow would be open to contacts with Europe beforehand, but no concrete discussions have occurred. European involvement would mark a new phase in the nearly five-year conflict, with Russia's relations with European powers strained over sanctions and arms supplies. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said it was not Russia's place to decide EU representation, while Russian officials continue demanding territorial concessions from Ukraine.