Putin open to Europe joining Ukraine peace talks, Witkoff says

Steve Witkoff, who is involved in the peace negotiations over the war in Ukraine, has indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to Europe taking part in the talks. The diplomatic effort aims to end the war, and Europe's role in it is a key question for both Kyiv and EU countries.

Briefing Zelenskyy

Witkoff said that in Dublin, they "will download Zelenskyy on everything that has occurred." This refers to the latest round of talks, held this week in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.

European skepticism

European governments have so far been skeptical about the prospects for a breakthrough. One diplomat, granted anonymity because the discussions are confidential, said: "The Russian demands are the same maximalist demands that we have heard for years."

Two EU officials returned from Abu Dhabi: Björn Seibert, chief of staff to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Anna-Maria Boura, chief foreign policy adviser to European Council President António Costa. After returning, they briefed EU ambassadors on the talks.

The source does not say in what format Europe might join the negotiations.