Who Will Represent Europe in Ukraine Peace Talks?

US negotiators announced Thursday that Russia would allow European participation in Ukraine peace talks, sparking a debate among EU leaders over who should represent the continent at the negotiating table. The question became urgent after Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, then flew to Dublin to brief Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during an EU summit. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas claimed she and European Council President Antonio Costa should represent Europe, citing a June 2024 leaders' decision, while alternative proposals include an "E3" format with Germany, France, and the UK, or an expanded "E5" including Italy and Poland. Some leaders cautioned against focusing on personalities, with Latvia's prime minister calling the debate a Russian distraction from the real issue of supporting Ukraine through winter. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin may push for a decision Friday when EU leaders meet in Dublin.