BAKU - The Kremlin has not confirmed an agreement for European representatives to take part in the next round of talks on Ukraine, saying any decision would depend on whether European countries show they are prepared to support the peace process.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there had been no specific discussion of an expanded negotiating format. European countries must first demonstrate a “sincere intention and readiness” to contribute to a settlement, he said, according to Vesti Baku.
U.S. and Kremlin Statements Diverge
Moscow’s position differed from statements by U.S. negotiators. U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff said after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin that European representatives would join the next round.
Jared Kushner also said Russia and Ukraine had agreed to broaden the talks to include European partners. He said that would allow negotiators to discuss a future European security system alongside territorial issues between Moscow and Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supported European participation and said he hoped the agenda would include a ceasefire and steps toward de-escalation. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Moscow should not decide who represents the bloc.
Prisoner Exchange Remains a Separate Track
The United States is also working on a new prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. Kushner described it as potentially the largest since the war began and said thousands of people could return home. The exact terms and timing have not been announced, and the exchange has not yet taken place.
U.S. officials said they would soon present the format, schedule and other details for the next round. Negotiators acknowledged that serious differences remain between Moscow and Kyiv, particularly over territory and security guarantees.