EU and Five European Nations to Join Upcoming Russia-Ukraine Peace Negotiations

The European Union and five European nations have agreed to participate in the next round of peace negotiations regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, European Council President Antonio Costa announced in Dublin, Ireland, on November 13, 2026. The participating European countries include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland. The delegation is expected to include national security advisors from these five countries, as well as representatives from the European Commission and the European Council. According to several news outlets, the delegation may also include national security advisors from the five participating nations. NATO is also expected to send representatives to the negotiations.

Diplomatic Developments and Previous Meetings

This development follows recent diplomatic activity in the Middle East. Negotiations between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on November 10–11, 2026. During those meetings, European representatives were restricted to side rooms rather than the main negotiation table. In a separate statement on November 12, U.S. negotiator Kushner said in Moscow that discussions regarding European security architecture have begun with European partners. U.S. Special Envoy Witkoff stated on November 12 that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to European participation in the upcoming meeting.

The Kremlin stated that Russia is willing to allow European participation in negotiations if they show genuine goodwill toward peace. The Kremlin also proposed reaching a broad agreement on European security architecture before discussing specific details of the war. However, some media outlets reported that the Kremlin cast doubt on the claims made by President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. envoys regarding the willingness to negotiate.

European Perspectives on Security and Peace

European leaders have expressed varying views on the upcoming discussions. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Europe should avoid making unnecessary concessions to Russia. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas expressed concern that the focus on security architecture might distract from the goal of achieving a ceasefire. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that European representatives are expected to participate in the actual peace negotiations within the coming weeks, though he noted that Russia's demand to discuss security architecture is repetitive because a structure already exists.

The push for European involvement follows a declaration signed in Dublin on November 12 by approximately 40 European countries. This declaration stated that matters affecting European security must be decided with European participation. President Antonio Costa emphasized that Europe must have a clear and unified voice in discussions regarding the future of Ukraine and European security.

Glossary

• European Union — The European Union is a trade bloc that has free trade agreements with 8 out of 12 CPTPP members. It is a political and economic entity that participates in peace negotiations regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• European Commission — The European Commission is an entity represented by commissioners chosen for their general competence, commitment, and independence. It participates in peace negotiations alongside various European nations.
• United Arab Emirates — The United Arab Emirates is a country where sexual activity outside of marriage was decriminalized in 2020. It is a location where negotiations between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine have taken place.