US Presidential Special Envoy for International Affairs Jared Kushner stated that Russian leader Vladimir Putin has agreed to allow representatives of European countries to participate in subsequent rounds of peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. According to RBC-Ukraine, this became known from the broadcast of the Office of the President of Ukraine following the meeting of the American delegation with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ireland.
Context: Meeting in Ireland and Press Comments
American special envoys held negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ireland. Upon completing the meeting, the participants approached journalists and made several comments. One of the key points concerned the announcement that European delegations would be included in the negotiation process. Kushner emphasized that in recent months, the United States has worked very closely with European partners, and he personally is convinced that no lasting deal can be concluded without the presence of European representatives.
Washington's Position: No Deal Without Europe
"We told President Putin that we consider this very important," Kushner stated, adding that the Ukrainian side has consistently supported this position. According to him, Zelenskyy has advocated for Europe's inclusion in the negotiation process "from the very, very beginning." Kushner expressed confidence that the American side managed to secure Putin's agreement to "try this format" of negotiations involving European representatives.
Kyiv: Support from Day One
As Trump's special envoy noted, the Ukrainian side not only supported the idea of European participation but promoted it from the moment diplomatic contacts began. Zelenskyy, according to Kushner, strongly insisted that any peace guarantees and conditions must be adopted taking into account the interests of European countries, which are direct participants in security on the continent.
Largest Prisoner Exchange
In addition to the issue of European participation, Kushner reported that during the American delegation's meeting with the Russian side in Moscow, the parties finally agreed on the largest prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia since the beginning of the war. Specific figures and timelines for the exchange were not specified in public comments.
Expectations from the Negotiation Track
Kushner expressed hope that during the upcoming negotiations, the parties will be able to hold meetings in a "calmer environment" and thoroughly address accumulated problems. "They would like this war to end. It has been going on for a very long time. Obviously, it has affected a huge number of people," the special envoy emphasized, referring to what he hears from the process participants.
