The Kremlin has stressed the importance of including Europe in peace discussions regarding Ukraine, as its stance could be pivotal. Yuri Ushakov, a top foreign policy advisor, made these comments on Sunday, indicating that prior attempts have been ineffective.
Ushakov noted that the United States has not managed to pressure Kyiv into agreeing to a peace deal during an interview with state television correspondent Pavel Zarubin. “Previously, following the meeting in Anchorage, it seemed that the American administration could dictate terms and compel Kyiv to comply. However, this has not truly materialized,” Ushakov remarked, referencing the 2025 meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He added, “It is inadequate to only discuss matters with Kyiv; we need to engage with all of Europe, which fully supports Kyiv.”
Europe Seeks Involvement
The Kremlin’s message comes amid a shift in the European Union’s approach after initially relying on Trump to mediate an end to the conflict. Recently, the EU has cautiously signaled a willingness to engage in discussions with Russia.
Leaders from the United Kingdom, Germany, and France have expressed support for talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin to seek a ceasefire while also acknowledging Europe’s potential role in these negotiations.
Meanwhile, Russia has indicated it is open to dialogue but is not receptive to ultimatums.
Russia Ready to Resume Negotiations Next Month
Ushakov stated on Sunday that Russia is prepared to resume trilateral peace talks with Ukraine and the U.S. following Russia’s National Unity Day on November 4. This reiterates Kremlin statements earlier this week regarding Putin’s willingness to reinitiate negotiations mediated by the U.S. as early as next month.
Zelensky confirmed on Friday that peace negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. had agreed to meet technically in early November in Abu Dhabi, expressing hope that this would lead to a subsequent meeting among their leaders.
Ushakov also commented on a possible meeting between Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that preparations are already underway. This proposed meeting is expected to take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in China on November 18-19.
No agreement has been made yet regarding a separate meeting between Putin and Trump in Shenzhen, according to Ushakov.
