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‘The only way to get this done’: Why the US wants Europe at Ukraine talks next time
POLITICO.eu • • general
Key Points:
- Jared Kushner, acting as a U.S. envoy, reported tough and trust-deficient negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi, with discussions covering all major issues including disputed territories, but no breakthrough was achieved.
- The two sides agreed on planning the largest prisoner exchange since the 2022 invasion, contingent on Vladimir Putin's approval, which Kushner aimed to seek during a trip to Moscow.
- Kushner emphasized the importance of involving European officials in future talks to address broader security concerns, signaling a shift in U.S. approach and acknowledging the need for European participation to advance negotiations.
- Ukraine's negotiators secured U.S. acceptance of their assessment of territorial control, but ultimate decisions on land disputes remain a leader-level issue, with no immediate resolution expected.
- Europe faces a critical moment in selecting a unified representative for peace talks, as its involvement becomes central to discussions on Ukraine's security guarantees and the future European security framework linked to NATO.
