World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
US seeks direct Russia-Europe engagement in Ukraine peace effort
The US is trying to bring Russia and European partners into direct discussions as part of efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Jared Kushner, a US envoy, said the work also includes preparing for another round of talks involving the US, Russia and Ukraine.
The move follows US-brokered talks that ended with plans for a prisoner exchange and further discussions, but no wider peace deal.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Washington raised a possible new European security framework and asked whether Ukraine might withdraw from parts of the Donbas in exchange for NATO membership.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine would not give up territory or accept neutrality, and warned that broader security talks could be used to weaken NATO or change borders.
Kushner said a lasting peace needs security guarantees for Ukraine and arrangements to prevent another war.
The next step is to prepare the agenda for the next round of trilateral talks, while the US works to involve European partners.
The United States is facilitating direct engagement between Russia and European partners as part of efforts to reach peace in Ukraine.
Jared Kushner said the focus was also on preparing for the next round of trilateral talks.
Kushner and Steve Witkoff met separately with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the week.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine would not surrender territory or commit to neutrality.
He warned that discussions of a new European security framework could be dangerous if they distracted from ending the war or weakened NATO.
- Who
- The United States, represented by Jared Kushner, is facilitating contacts between Russia and European partners.
- What
- The effort is part of a push for a peace deal in Ukraine and preparation for further trilateral talks.
- When
- Kushner announced the effort on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
- Where
- The proposed engagement is between Moscow and European partners. The conflict is in Ukraine.
- Why
- The United States says the effort aims to help secure peace in Ukraine and reduce the risk of another war.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The first round of U.S.-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine since February concluded with plans for a new prisoner exchange and further talks.
Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff held separate meetings with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Kushner said the United States was facilitating direct engagement between Moscow and European partners and preparing for the next round of trilateral talks.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine would not surrender territory and discussed U.S. proposals for European security and Ukraine's security arrangements.
- U.S. special envoy
- Jared Kushner
- European engagement
- Direct contacts between Moscow and European partners
- Next talks
- Trilateral talks
- Recent meetings
- Kushner and Steve Witkoff met separately with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Ukraine's position
- Zelenskyy said Ukraine would not surrender territory or commit to neutrality
2 sources
What people are saying
Our focus is now on facilitating direct engagement between Moscow and European partners and preparing the agenda for the next round of trilateral talks
In my view, this can be dangerous
Putin's desire to change borders in Europe is a fact. I am sure this is part of his concept of revising security guarantees in Europe
Posts on X
Following our trilateral meetings and subsequent discussions with Presidents Putin and @ZelenskyyUa, @SEPeaceMissions and I have remained in close consultation with Russia, Ukraine, and our European partners on next steps. Our focus now is on facilitating direct engagement