EU leaders insist Ukraine must be included in any peace talks

European leaders said on Thursday that Europe's security framework should not be part of peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, but did not clarify who would represent Europe in any future talks.

According to Reuters, the Kremlin stated that Russia would be open to European countries joining Ukraine peace talks if they are ready to contribute to the peace process.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the Kremlin's remarks as "the same old game," adding that Europe and the United States share a clear message.

Speaking at a European Union leaders' summit in Dublin, Merz said, "There will be no discussions about Ukraine without Ukraine's participation, and no talks about Europe without Europe. Moreover, there is no need to discuss Europe's security structure, as it already exists."

Russian officials have called for a comprehensive agreement on Europe's security framework before addressing the details of ending the war. Before its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia demanded the withdrawal of NATO forces from countries that joined the alliance after 1997, a demand the alliance rejected.

Meanwhile, US envoy Jared Kushner said during a visit to Moscow yesterday that he had begun discussions with European partners on the continent's security structure.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that Russian calls to discuss Europe's security framework could distract from the urgent need for a ceasefire. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kublers described such discussions as "a trap."