Europe and Ukraine get a boost in peace talks, but Putin is playing for time

Key Points:

• Steve Witkoff, a key envoy for President Trump, reported progress in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the US leader's desire for a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
• For the first time in nearly two years, Russia appears to have agreed to include European representatives in peace negotiations, a move welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders.
• Europe’s inclusion is seen as crucial by Kyiv and Brussels, given their significant military, financial, and diplomatic support for Ukraine, though Moscow remains cautious and conditions further involvement on Europe’s willingness to contribute to peace efforts.
• Despite this development, Russia is maintaining hardline demands, including NATO withdrawal from Eastern Europe, and skepticism remains about whether European participation will lead to a swift end to the war.
• The Kremlin seems poised to use the new negotiation dynamics to prolong talks while continuing military pressure, indicating that a prolonged conflict through the coming winter remains likely.