U.S. seeks direct engagement between Russia and Europe for peace talks

United States envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are working to facilitate direct engagement between Russia and European partners to advance peace negotiations. This effort follows a meeting between the envoys and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on November 12, 2026. The diplomatic movement comes after U.S.-brokered trilateral talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Abu Dhabi ended on November 10, 2026, without a breakthrough.

Diplomatic efforts and territorial proposals

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on November 13, 2026, that the United States has proposed for the first time that Ukraine join NATO in exchange for withdrawing from territories it currently controls. This proposed territorial concession involves the Donbas region, specifically the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. The Donbas region has been partially occupied by Russia since 2014.

Following the meeting in the Kremlin, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff traveled to Ireland to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On November 14, 2026, Jared Kushner stated that the United States is focusing on facilitating direct engagement between Russia and European partners. He also noted that the warring sides expressed "maximalist positions" during talks but understand that practical compromises are needed to end the war.

European representation in upcoming negotiations

The United States is currently preparing the agenda for the next round of trilateral peace negotiations. To participate in these upcoming talks, five European nations will represent the European side: France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, and Italy. These nations will act as the primary representatives for the European interest in the process.

The 27 members of the European Union agreed at a summit in Dublin that officials from the European Commission and the European Council will join the European representative team. This coordination aims to present a unified European front during the next stages of the diplomatic process.

Russian response to European involvement

The Kremlin has addressed the necessity of European participation in the peace process. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, stated on November 13, 2026, that Europe must appoint a representative if it wishes to participate in peace talks. The Russian government's stance emphasizes the requirement for formal European representation to ensure the legitimacy of the negotiating process.

As the United States continues to coordinate with both Ukrainian and Russian delegations, the focus remains on establishing a framework for the next trilateral meeting. The involvement of the European Union and specific European nations marks a significant expansion of the diplomatic landscape beyond the initial U.S.-brokered discussions held in Abu Dhabi.

Glossary

• European Union — The European Union (EU) is a supranational institution. It acts as a trading partner and enters into partnerships such as the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) Action Plan.
• Donbas region — The Donbas region is a territory that has been partially occupied by Russia since 2014.
• Luhansk oblasts — The Luhansk oblasts are territories that can be referred to as part of the uncontrolled portions of the Luhansk Oblasts.
• European Commission — The European Commission is an entity whose officials join the European representative team in diplomatic processes.