Zelensky welcomes inclusion of EU delegates in Russia–Ukraine peace negotiations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed a pledge by U.S. envoys to include European Union representatives in the next round of peace talks with Russia. The move follows diplomatic engagements between Ukrainian and Western leaders this week.
Diplomatic Meetings: Dublin and Moscow
On Thursday evening, U.S. senior aides Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met with Zelensky in Dublin as part of an intensive day of shuttle diplomacy. Prior to that meeting, they had held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where Putin reiterated that Russia's position on the war—particularly its demand for territorial concessions—has not changed.
The meetings come after failed negotiations in Abu Dhabi last week, which did not yield a breakthrough toward ending the conflict. However, during these talks, Ukraine and Russia agreed to another prisoner exchange—the largest since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Prisoner Exchange: Details Limited
Jared Kushner stated that the agreement would return 'thousands of people' to their families but provided no specific numbers or timeline for implementation. The exact scope of detainees involved remains unconfirmed by official sources.
Zelensky's Position on European Involvement
Zelensky has long advocated for EU participation in peace negotiations, citing his country’s ambition to eventually join the European Union as a key rationale. He argued that involving European leaders ensures the bloc maintains a voice in shaping post-war outcomes and strengthens regional security cooperation.
U.S. envoys emphasized close coordination with European partners over recent months. Kushner said he had urged Putin to include European delegates at future talks, adding: 'He's willing to give it a try.' This statement reflects an effort by U.S. officials to balance diplomatic outreach with strategic realism amid growing skepticism about Russian intentions.
Euro-Atlantic Security Concerns
The broader region has expressed deepening concerns about stability following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas told BBC Newshour that the presence of a European delegate signaled to Moscow that Europe is now recognized as a major player in regional affairs.
She also voiced doubts about any current momentum within Russia toward concluding peace, suggesting that progress remains fragile and conditional on mutual concessions.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin of Ireland said during a gathering of EU leaders in Dublin that 'the security of the region has been fundamentally reshaped' by Russian actions. He noted many member states perceive an existential threat if Ukraine were to fall under Russian control, citing increased cross-border incursions into Ukrainian territory.
Ongoing Challenges: Starlink Restrictions
In earlier developments before the Dublin meeting, Zelensky raised concerns over systematic restrictions placed on access to Starshield—the military-grade satellite service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX—by the Ukrainian government's infrastructure network. These limitations have hampered Kyiv’s ability to intercept and track Russian jet-powered drones operating along its front lines.
Starlink technology has been vital for maintaining communication between Ukrainian forces and command centers since 2022. The reported disruptions highlight persistent challenges in sustaining Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid evolving technological warfare tactics.