Russia will not set conditions for European negotiating group for Ukraine peace talks

The Kremlin announced on November 15, 2026, that it will not set conditions regarding the composition of a European negotiating group for peace talks concerning Ukraine. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, stated that Moscow will not set conditions for the makeup of the group. Dmitry Peskov expressed that communicating with European officials to understand their potential contribution to a peaceful process would be preferable.

Negotiation Framework and Participants

The proposed framework for future negotiations involves the United States, Ukraine, and Russia, with European representation. Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Poland, along with European Union institutions, are set to represent Europe in these mediated talks. European Council President Antonio Costa confirmed this agreement following a meeting of European leaders. Antonio Costa stated that the European Union is fully committed to supporting the peace process and hopes for concrete results.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Europe must be at the negotiating table alongside the United States, Ukraine, and Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects a decision from European partners regarding who will represent Europe by the end of November. While specific individuals have been mentioned as potential candidates for a European negotiator, such as Alexander Stubb and Petr Pavel, a final selection is pending.

Recent Developments and Diplomatic Context

The announcement follows recent diplomatic activity in the Middle East. Tripartite negotiations between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia took place in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11. According to Bulgarian media, these Abu Dhabi negotiations resulted in an agreement to prepare for a large-scale prisoner exchange.

The diplomatic landscape remains complex. Bulgarian media reported that the United States has proposed that Ukraine receive NATO membership if it renounces the Donbas region. This follows a previous statement from Dmitry Peskov on October 25, in which the Kremlin spokesperson said Russia would support the appointment of an EU negotiator if they work sincerely toward a peaceful solution.

Next Steps for European Diplomacy

The focus for European leaders now shifts to finalizing their representative delegation before the end of the month. The European Union has been discussing the appointment of a special envoy to represent Europe in these future peace negotiations. The success of these efforts may depend on whether the selected European representatives can provide a contribution that facilitates a peaceful resolution.

Glossary

• European Union — The European Union is a political entity that includes institutions such as the European Parliament. It is involved in diplomatic processes and summits with other nations.
• European Council — The European Council is an institution within the European Union. Its President is involved in confirming agreements following meetings of European leaders.