Ukraine peace talks stall as EU scrambles for €70B and US midterms loom

Key points

• Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov dismissed proposals from US envoy Steve Witkoff as offering little value, with Russia agreeing only to technical-level trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi in mid-November.
• Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine could accept a ceasefire along current front lines without recognizing Russian sovereignty, but fundamental positions remain unchanged.
• The EU extended its November 26-27 summit to address a €70 billion funding gap for Ukraine in 2027, with Brussels urging allies like the UK and Japan to increase donations.
• Former US General Ben Hodges accused President Trump of undermining Ukraine's defense, while The Atlantic notes Kyiv fears being excluded from a potential US-Russia-China summit in China.
• European Council President António Costa is pushing for a new budget compromise, though leaders remain divided between 'Frugals' and 'Friends of Cohesion'.

Background

Previous coverage highlighted Trump's urgent push for a pre-winter deal, citing high casualty rates, and Zelensky's UN address seeking security guarantees. The current diplomatic impasse follows these earlier efforts, with the added complexity of US domestic politics and EU budgetary constraints.

How outlets are covering it

Euronews and BBC report that Russia is stalling, with Ushakov calling Witkoff's proposals 'useless' and limiting talks to technical levels. The Atlantic emphasizes the risk of Ukraine being excluded from a potential US-Russia-China summit in China, describing it as a 'New Yalta' scenario. Asia Times offers a detailed alternative peace framework involving Ukrainian neutrality and EU membership, contrasting with the current maximalist demands. Former General Ben Hodges, cited by Euronews, criticizes Trump for taking Russia's side, while Witkoff maintains that 'important work' remains.

Why it matters

The failure to reach a ceasefire before winter could lead to severe humanitarian consequences, as Russia plans to use cold weather as a weapon against Ukraine's energy grid. The EU's inability to secure funding may weaken its support for Ukraine, while US midterm elections could shift Washington's policy, potentially leaving Kyiv without critical security guarantees.

What to watch

The EU will hold its extended summit on November 26-27 to decide on Ukraine funding and the budget. A potential US-Russia-China summit in China is under consideration, which could discuss Ukraine's future without Kyiv. The European Commission will determine the EU's share of the €70 billion gap, likely through joint debt mechanisms.