New talks with Russia, Ukraine and European countries agreed, US says – as it happened

Key events14h agoClosing summary14h ago'I think progress was made today,' Witkoff tells CNN14h agoWitkoff, Kushner en route to Dublin to meet with Zelenskyy14h agoKremlin welcomes useful talks with US on Ukraine, says process will be continued14h agoItaly’s anti-vax medics eye return to frontline duty15h agoNew round of trilateral talks with Russia, Ukraine agreed after Putin meeting, Witkoff says15h agoUK drone maker founded by Ukrainians hits £4.5bn value after raising £500m16h agoFormer pro-Russian presidential contender Georgescu indicted on fraud charges17h agoPutin's maximalist rhetoric once again suggests no plans to compromise to end war – snap analysis18h agoLeading aviation figures express uneased at Europe's response to last week's bomb threats18h agoAnother wave of false bomb alarms across Italy, targeting schools, PM's office18h agoReports of Starshield disruptions in Ukraine 'deeply concerning and, if confirmed, unacceptable,' EU says18h agoPutin wants US to work with Europe 'so they can decide what they want, peace or war,' Russian media report18h agoPutin's meeting with US envoys get under way19h agoRussia's invasion of Ukraine destroyed Europe's security infrastructure, EU's Costa says19h ago'All depends on the Russians, whether they are willing to play ball, Nato's Rutte says19h agoZelenskyy criticises return of Starshield speed restrictions19h agoZelenskyy cautions against 'strange' approach to resetting Europe's security relations with Russia19h ago'Long past time for Russia to stop this immoral war,' Ireland's Martin says19h agoEurope needs to agree on 'what it wants, both for Ukraine and for itself' on security, Macron says19h agoKushner's challenge to Europe adds urgency to discussion on who should speak for Europe – snap analysis19h agoZelenskyy arrives at EPC summit in Dublin20h agoSupporting Ukraine 'a collective European responsibility', Merz says20h agovon der Leyen 'very much welcomes' Abu Dhabi talks, confirms work on new sanctions package20h agoEU's Kallas warns there is no 'good will' from Russia as attacks on Ukraine continue20h agoLuxembourg's PM Frieden backs EU's Costa to represent Europe in Ukraine talks20h agoTrain traffic resumes through Calais station after earlier bomb scare20h agoUS envoys arrive at the Kremlin for talks with Putin21h agoHeightened security measures in Dublin with 'largest deployment in history'21h agoEU needs a 'clear, coherent' leadership voice in Ukraine talks, Ireland's Martin says22h agoBomb alert at Calais-Fréthun train station causes delays on domestic, cross channel services22h agoUkraine faces 'systemic speed restrictions' on Starshield again that 'help Russians kill more Ukrainians', Zelenskyy says22h agoEU to approve new sanctions on Russia on Monday, France's Europe minister says Russia’s president Vladimir Putin meets US envoys: Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and businessman Steve Witkoff. Photograph: Vyacheslav Prokofyev/AFP/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenRussia’s president Vladimir Putin meets US envoys: Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and businessman Steve Witkoff. Photograph: Vyacheslav Prokofyev/AFP/Getty ImagesKey events14h agoClosing summary14h ago'I think progress was made today,' Witkoff tells CNN14h agoWitkoff, Kushner en route to Dublin to meet with Zelenskyy14h agoKremlin welcomes useful talks with US on Ukraine, says process will be continued14h agoItaly’s anti-vax medics eye return to frontline duty15h agoNew round of trilateral talks with Russia, Ukraine agreed after Putin meeting, Witkoff says15h agoUK drone maker founded by Ukrainians hits £4.5bn value after raising £500m16h agoFormer pro-Russian presidential contender Georgescu indicted on fraud charges17h agoPutin's maximalist rhetoric once again suggests no plans to compromise to end war – snap analysis18h agoLeading aviation figures express uneased at Europe's response to last week's bomb threats18h agoAnother wave of false bomb alarms across Italy, targeting schools, PM's office18h agoReports of Starshield disruptions in Ukraine 'deeply concerning and, if confirmed, unacceptable,' EU says18h agoPutin wants US to work with Europe 'so they can decide what they want, peace or war,' Russian media report18h agoPutin's meeting with US envoys get under way19h agoRussia's invasion of Ukraine destroyed Europe's security infrastructure, EU's Costa says19h ago'All depends on the Russians, whether they are willing to play ball, Nato's Rutte says19h agoZelenskyy criticises return of Starshield speed restrictions19h agoZelenskyy cautions against 'strange' approach to resetting Europe's security relations with Russia19h ago'Long past time for Russia to stop this immoral war,' Ireland's Martin says19h agoEurope needs to agree on 'what it wants, both for Ukraine and for itself' on security, Macron says19h agoKushner's challenge to Europe adds urgency to discussion on who should speak for Europe – snap analysis19h agoZelenskyy arrives at EPC summit in Dublin20h agoSupporting Ukraine 'a collective European responsibility', Merz says20h agovon der Leyen 'very much welcomes' Abu Dhabi talks, confirms work on new sanctions package20h agoEU's Kallas warns there is no 'good will' from Russia as attacks on Ukraine continue20h agoLuxembourg's PM Frieden backs EU's Costa to represent Europe in Ukraine talks20h agoTrain traffic resumes through Calais station after earlier bomb scare20h agoUS envoys arrive at the Kremlin for talks with Putin21h agoHeightened security measures in Dublin with 'largest deployment in history'21h agoEU needs a 'clear, coherent' leadership voice in Ukraine talks, Ireland's Martin says22h agoBomb alert at Calais-Fréthun train station causes delays on domestic, cross channel services22h agoUkraine faces 'systemic speed restrictions' on Starshield again that 'help Russians kill more Ukrainians', Zelenskyy says22h agoEU to approve new sanctions on Russia on Monday, France's Europe minister saysMeanwhile, Nato secretary general ⁠Mark Rutte said ⁠there had ⁠been ​positive developments during the Ukraine-Russia peace ⁠talks in Abu Dhabi but ⁠warned that it remained ​unclear ‌whether Russia ‌was genuinely willing ‌to engage in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

“It all depends on ‌the Russians, whether they are ​willing to play ball,” Rutte said, adding that Ukraine ⁠must be kept as strong ​as ​possible as ​negotiations with ​Russia ‌continue, Reuters reported.

Zelenskyy also repeated his earlier warning that Starshield restrictions are back on “in the temporary occupied parts of Ukraine,” and “directly affect our ability to intercept Russian jet powered drones” launched from these areas (10:08).

“We are trying to get the details from the American side, but so far we know very little. But some things are already clear. If someone in America is making decisions that basically treat Ukrainian territory as if it is not Ukrainian, then this tells us where things are going.

We need to be clear and never recognise Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian territory in any way.”

On other battlefield issues, Zelenskyy says Ukraine needs more support on air defence, including interceptors and fighter jets.

He says it is “very good that Europeans are now part of these talks” with Russia, even if “not directly yet.” “We need to make sure that Europe becomes a regular part of these negotiations,” he says.

He says the Abu Dhabi talks were “serious, not empty,” with an “important” agreement on a PoW swap.

But he said Europe “really needs to pay attention” to proposed talks on security guarantees, which he says are not just about Ukraine, but “some kind of new security framework between Europe and Russia.”

“We find this approach a bit strange. And, because for 30 years after the Soviet Union collapsed, Europe treated Russia well and Europe tried to have as much trade as possible, as much cooperation as possible, and as good relations as possible with Russia. Putin’s wars are really about only his attitude toward others, not some kind of permanent confrontation with Europe that was impossible to avoid.”

He also says that the Russian delegation attending the Abu Dhabi talks had “no permission to discuss steps that could reduce the horrors of this war,” despite specific requests from the Ukrainian side to “de-escalate in the Black Sea and stop attacks on energy infrastructure.”

Opening the meeting, Ireland’s Micheál Martin stressed the need of reaching “a just and lasting peace” in Ukraine, saying it is “long past time for Russia to stop this immoral war.”

View image in fullscreenIreland’s taoiseach Micheál Martin waits to welcome arriving leaders and delegates for the European Political Community summit in Dublin, Ireland. Photograph: Cathal McNaughton/ReutersHe also said the EPC should look at addressing some common challenges, on “trade, energy, infrastructure or in people to people links.”

France’s Emmanuel Macron has urged European leaders to agree on “what it wants, both for Ukraine and for itself” when it comes to broader European security.

View image in fullscreenFrench president Emmanuel Macron speaking to the media as he arrives for the European Political Community summit at the Convention Centre Dublin. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PAHe said Europe should remain focused on supporting Ukraine and agree on its own “principles” and define “what it wants, both for Ukraine and for itself” when it comes to security.

Macron said he hoped for a text on this issue to be adopted today to show coordination on these issues with a broader group of countries.

“At a time when some might wish to see Europe sidelined from discussions concerning its own security and stability, this declaration is vital; it builds upon everything we have achieved over the last decade while signalling the need for a renewed, collective impetus across this broader Europe.”

Asked why should Europe trust Russia’s Putin, Macron smiled:

“I’m saying it’s important today what we do with Ukraine and to clearly keep supporting them. I think it’s very important as well to endorse very clear principles and commitments as Europeans in this wider Europe, which is this European political community, in order to make sure that we design ourselves our own security principles and our own architecture of security. This is my main objective.”

Worth highlighting that the perennial debate on who should speak for Europe internationally – best known as the Kissinger question – was given fresh urgency after critical comments from US peace envoy Jared Kushner following the latest round of talks in Abu Dhabi.

Debriefing the press after his meetings with Russia and Ukraine, Kushner said yesterday:

“If Europe could identify one person to speak on their behalf, that would be a bigger achievement than getting the Russians to include them in the negotiations.”

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy has now also arrived at the EPC venue in Dublin.

View image in fullscreenIrish prime minister Micheál Martin (R) welcomes Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the ninth European Political Community (EPC) summit in Dublin, Ireland. Photograph: Olivier Hoslet/EPAWe are likely to hear from him at some point later.

Germany’s Friedrich Merz has said that further support for Ukraine should be seen as “a collective European responsibility,” with the immediate need to “close the funding gap for 2027.”

View image in fullscreenChancellor Friedrich Merz talking to the media at the European Political Community (EPG) meeting in Dublin. Photograph: dts News Agency Germany/ShutterstockUkraine “faces a very, very difficult winter, and it is essential that we Europeans stand together,” he added.

Merz also said he was hearing “some positive signals” about the talks in Abu Dhabi, but cautioned “there is a long way to go.”

He urged Russia’s Putin “to finally agree to joint discussions,” and stressed that “the Europeans must be at the table” during any potential talks.

But he added that the focus should not be on who the EU appoints to represent it at the talks, but on getting Putin to take part in the discussions.

“I note with some satisfaction that there is evidently a growing willingness on the Russian side to recognise that one cannot talk about Europe without involving Europe. And that, for a start, is good news. Whether it will stay that way remains to be seen,” he said.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen had only a few words to say on her arrival for the EPC talks in Dublin.

She said she “very much welcomed” the peace talks in Abu Dhabi, and that she was happy “the Europeans were represented to safeguard our interests,” and also acknowledging that Ukraine’s Zelenskyy “asked for it” to happen.

“We are preparing the 22nd sanctions package, and we are, as the commission, preparing a proposal how to cover the financial needs of Ukraine in 2027. We will come with the sanctions package and the proposal for the financial needs before the next European Council.”

EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has warned that “we do not see any goodwill from the Russian side” in Ukraine talks, calling for any attacks to stop first before formal peace talks can be held.

“There should be [the] right sequenc[e] first to have a ceasefire, so that the bombing of the civilians really [needs to] stop and then sit down and talk over the peace agreement. Then, only then, we can talk about peace, or security architecture of Europe.”

Kallas said there was also the issue of trust given Russia “is not keeping” to previous agreements, including the Budapest memorandum.

“The focus should be on how we make sure that Russia actually keeps to their obligations,” she said.

Kallas also repeatedly hinted she should be a part of the EU’s delegation on Ukraine, pointing to the fact that the EU leaders “had those discussions” in 2024 when appointing the current holders to the three top jobs in the bloc.

“The leaders, of course, may choose differently and go into these discussions again, which is always difficult, or we [could] just stick to the agreements that we made in 2024.”