U.S. facilitating direct engagement between Europe and Russia amid push for peace in Ukraine, Kushner says

Key Points:

• The U.S. is facilitating direct talks between Russia and Europe to secure a peace deal in the Ukraine war, with Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff recently meeting both Putin and Zelenskyy as part of the Trump administration's efforts.
• Recent U.S.-brokered talks resulted in plans for a new prisoner exchange and further discussions but no comprehensive peace agreement yet; Kushner emphasized preparing for trilateral talks involving Moscow and European partners.
• Zelenskyy expressed concern that Russia might use new European security framework talks to weaken NATO and alter borders, warning that Ukraine will not cede territory or commit to neutrality.
• Ukraine is developing a comprehensive security package with NATO and EU partners, including military and financial support, but any agreement would exclude recognition of Russian-occupied territories and require Ukrainian public approval.
• Both Kushner and Zelenskyy stressed that future European security arrangements must be decided by European nations themselves, with Ukraine's security guarantees as a prerequisite for any broader changes.