Europe Seeks a Seat at the Table, but Zelenskyy Demands Its Selection—U.S. Pours Cold Water: Approval from Putin Required
A new round of U.S.-Ukraine-Russia trilateral talks has concluded, yet Europe remains excluded from direct participation.
In a recent interview, Zelenskyy articulated what many in Europe have long felt: he proposed selecting a negotiating representative from within the broader coalition supporting Ukraine, with himself overseeing the selection process. The scope of this proposal includes all countries providing assistance to Ukraine—not limited to EU members or European nations alone, but also extending to allies beyond Europe. However, should such a selection take place, the outcome would likely favor a European candidate.
Yet this idea reflects little more than Zelenskyy’s aspiration. Whether Europe can secure a seat hinges ultimately on Vladimir Putin. U.S. negotiators Jared Kushner and David Wickett stated that any European representative wishing to join future negotiations would need approval from the Russian president. They plan to discuss the matter during their upcoming visit to Moscow, aiming to persuade Putin to consent.
In fact, during the recently concluded trilateral talks, European observers were present—but only as participants in discussions between the U.S. and Ukraine. They did not meet with Russian officials.
Vladimir Medinsky, Russia’s lead negotiator, dismissed the notion of European involvement with irony, suggesting it is premature. “When Europe awakens to its conscience,” he remarked, “then perhaps it may return to talk about joining the table.”
From an external perspective, Europe—as Ukraine’s largest financial contributor—is inherently unable to act as an impartial mediator. Its involvement risks further inflaming tensions rather than de-escalating them.
Indeed, even during the earlier talks in Abu Dhabi, relations between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations remained strained, reaching a near-breaking point. Only the intervention of Kushner and Wickett prevented open confrontation.
At root, the deadlock persists because neither side has yet reached a position of exhaustion. Until that moment arrives, meaningful negotiation remains unlikely.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1881629950386314/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.