Kushner: Putin open to European participation in next Ukraine peace talks

Jared Kushner, the Special Envoy for the United States under President Donald Trump, has indicated that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is prepared to permit European representatives to participate in the next phase of peace negotiations concerning Ukraine. Kushner made these remarks while speaking to journalists in Dublin, outlining the current state of diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict.

According to Kushner, the United States has been coordinating closely with European partners over the last several months. He characterized this collaboration as being of significant importance to the overall strategy for ending the war. The US envoy emphasized that the involvement of Europe is not merely optional but essential to the success of the diplomatic process.

In a direct address to the press, Kushner stated, "We cannot conclude this deal without the Europeans being at the table. We've been telling President Putin that we believe that's very important, and President Zelenskyy has been a very strong supporter, and he's been saying that from the very beginning. And I think that we're able to achieve that with President Putin, and he's willing to give it a try." This statement suggests a shift toward a more inclusive diplomatic framework involving key regional stakeholders.

Kushner further explained his reasoning for including European nations in the talks. He believes that direct meetings between Russian and European representatives will facilitate the discussion and resolution of all necessary issues. By bringing these parties together directly, the envoys aim to streamline the negotiation process and ensure that all critical aspects of the peace agreement are addressed thoroughly.

The US envoy also reflected on the broader context of the conflict, noting the widespread desire for an end to the hostilities. He observed that the war has continued for a considerable period and has had a profound impact on many people. Kushner expressed that the diplomatic team remains focused on the potential future outcomes and the benefits of reaching a resolution. He remarked, "I think what I would say, at least what we're hearing from people, is that people would like to see this war end. This war has gone on for a long time. Obviously, it's impacted a lot of people, and I think that we're very focused on what the future can bring."

These comments come shortly after a high-level meeting held in the Kremlin on November 12. During that session, Vladimir Putin met with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The discussions covered various aspects of the peace process, including specific proposals for humanitarian actions in contested areas.

During the Kremlin talks, Putin proposed the implementation of a so-called "humanitarian mission" in the city of Kostiantynivka, located in Donetsk Oblast. This proposal was modeled after previous humanitarian efforts in Oleshky. The inclusion of such specific operational details indicates that the negotiations are moving beyond general principles to practical implementation steps.

Both Witkoff and Kushner expressed their optimism regarding the prospect of European involvement during the Kremlin meeting. They conveyed their hope that representatives from European countries would be present at the next round of peace talks. Their statements align with Kushner's subsequent comments in Dublin, reinforcing the message that a multilateral approach is now the preferred path forward for the United States and its partners.

The diplomatic activity highlights the evolving nature of the peace process, with the US seeking to balance its direct engagement with Russia while ensuring that European interests are fully integrated. The willingness of the Kremlin to entertain European participation marks a notable development in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to conclude the war in Ukraine.

News Media House will continue to monitor the developments in these negotiations as preparations for the next round of talks proceed. The inclusion of European representatives is expected to add a new dimension to the discussions, potentially influencing the pace and substance of the final agreement.