‘The only way to get this done’: Why the US wants Europe at Ukraine talks next time
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow Sunday for talks with Vladimir Putin following two days of indirect negotiations in Abu Dhabi that produced no breakthrough on a Ukraine ceasefire. The Trump administration is now pressing Russia to accept European participation in the next round, arguing broader involvement is essential for any durable settlement. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said the US proposed ceding territory to Russia in exchange for NATO membership, a claim that underscores the gaps between the parties.
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- ✓ US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow on Sunday for meetings with Vladimir Putin.
- ✓ Two days of indirect talks in Abu Dhabi involving US, Russian, and Ukrainian officials concluded without a breakthrough on a ceasefire or security guarantees.
- ✓ The Trump administration is urging Russia to include European nations in the next round of Ukraine peace negotiations.
- ✓ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated the US proposed Ukraine cede territory to Russia in exchange for NATO membership.
What changed
US envoys moved from Abu Dhabi to Moscow for direct talks with Putin after indirect Ukraine-Russia-US discussions ended without agreement, while the White House publicly urged Russia to accept European participation in future rounds.
Live updates
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US envoys in Moscow after Abu Dhabi talks end without breakthrough; Washington urges Europe's inclusion next round
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow Sunday for talks with Vladimir Putin following two days of indirect negotiations in Abu Dhabi that produced no breakthrough on a Ukraine ceasefire. The Trump administration is now pressing Russia to accept European participation in the next round, arguing broader involvement is essential for any durable settlement. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said the US proposed ceding territory to Russia in exchange for NATO membership, a claim that underscores the gaps between the parties.
Why it matters
The Abu Dhabi talks marked the first direct US-Russia-Ukraine engagement since Trump returned to office, focusing on post-war security arrangements but failing to narrow differences on territory or ceasefire terms. Washington's push to bring Europe into the process reflects concern that any bilateral US-Russia deal would lack legitimacy and enforcement capacity. Moscow has historically resisted European involvement, preferring direct negotiations with Washington.
What is confirmed
- US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow on Sunday for meetings with Vladimir Putin.
- Two days of indirect talks in Abu Dhabi involving US, Russian, and Ukrainian officials concluded without a breakthrough on a ceasefire or security guarantees.
- The Trump administration is urging Russia to include European nations in the next round of Ukraine peace negotiations.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated the US proposed Ukraine cede territory to Russia in exchange for NATO membership.
Still unconfirmed
- The Kremlin may use a proposed humanitarian mission in Kostiantynivka to manipulate the negotiation timeline to its advantage.
- US policy shifts could fundamentally alter Europe's security architecture, according to former US Ambassador John Bolton.
What to watch next
- Outcome of Witkoff-Kushner meeting with Putin in Moscow
- Russian response to US demand for European inclusion in next talks
- Details of any US-proposed territorial concessions or security guarantees
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (15)
- Reuters — US, Russia and Ukraine start second day of Abu Dhabi peace talks
- CNN — Trump envoys to meet Putin in Moscow after latest Ukraine talks end without a breakthrough
- BBC — Russia-Ukraine talks turn to post-war security but end without breakthrough
- The New York Times — Seeking to Broaden Ukraine Talks, U.S. Urges Russia to Include Europe
- politico.eu — ‘The only way to get this done’: Why the US wants Europe at Ukraine talks next time
- Reuters — US envoys arrive in Moscow for latest round of Ukrainian peace talks with Putin
- dw.com — Ukraine peace talks: Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff arrive in Russia for meeting with Putin
- CNN — Witkoff and Kushner arrive in Moscow for Ukraine talks with Putin
- The Guardian — US envoys expected to meet Putin in Moscow to discuss Ukraine ceasefire - Europe live
- NBC News — U.S. envoys in Moscow for meeting with Putin following talks in Abu Dhabi
- 24tv.ua — Trump Wants a Ceasefire at Any Cost: How the Kremlin Is Using This to Its Advantage
- www.rte.ie — US proposed ceding Ukraine territory for NATO membership - Zelensky
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