Kremlin Insists Europe Join Ukraine Peace Talks as US Mediation Stalls

Key points

• Yury Ushakov argued that Europe’s support for Kyiv makes its inclusion in peace talks crucial, as the US has not successfully pressured Ukraine to agree to a deal.
• Russia confirmed readiness to resume three-way negotiations with the US and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi around mid-November, following technical-level agreements.
• The US and Ukraine have agreed to a local humanitarian ceasefire in Kherson to allow aid, but core disputes over territory and security guarantees remain unresolved.
• Russia demands full control of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, plus NATO renunciation, while Ukraine insists on security guarantees to prevent future invasion.
• Tensions between Trump and Zelensky have intensified, with Trump criticizing Ukraine’s leadership and pushing for a new president, while Kyiv fears being excluded from key decisions.

Background

This development follows months of stalled US-brokered talks, including a February round in Geneva, and recent escalations in strikes on both sides. In September, the Kremlin rejected Zelensky’s proposal to meet Putin at the Miami G20, insisting on Moscow as the venue. In October, former aide Iuliia Mendel urged Zelensky to travel to Moscow, arguing his past ties to Russia could aid diplomacy. Earlier in September, Kremlin threats against Poland and warnings of retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure highlighted the volatile backdrop for negotiations.

How outlets are covering it

The Moscow Times and BBC emphasize Russia’s stated willingness to resume talks in Abu Dhabi and the Kremlin’s insistence on including Europe, framing it as a response to US mediation failures. The Atlantic highlights Trump’s frustration with Ukraine, linking his pressure to US midterm elections and a proposed China summit where Ukraine may be excluded. AP News focuses on the unresolved core issues, noting that despite a humanitarian ceasefire in Kherson, Russia’s territorial demands and Ukraine’s security concerns remain far apart. All sources agree on the timing of the Abu Dhabi talks but differ on the likelihood of progress, with The Atlantic and AP News highlighting deep divisions, while The Moscow Times and BBC note Russia’s conditional openness.

Why it matters

The inclusion of Europe in peace talks could shift the balance of power in negotiations, as the US has struggled to compel Kyiv to accept terms. A mid-November meeting in Abu Dhabi may set the stage for a broader settlement, but unresolved issues over territory and security guarantees suggest limited progress. The growing rift between Trump and Zelensky, and the potential exclusion of Ukraine from key summits, risks undermining the peace process and prolonging the conflict.

What to watch

Watch for the outcome of the Abu Dhabi talks in mid-November, which may determine whether a broader peace process resumes. Monitor the US midterm elections, as a Democratic victory could alter Trump’s approach to Ukraine. Observe whether Europe’s involvement leads to new security guarantees or if Russia’s territorial demands remain a blocker. Track any further humanitarian ceasefires or escalations in strikes, as these may signal shifts in negotiating leverage.