U.S. officials will travel to Moscow on Thursday. They will ask President Vladimir Putin to allow European representatives to join future peace talks about Ukraine. Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump and a key mediator, will meet with Putin. He will be joined by White House envoy Steve Witkoff. The goal is to get Putin's support for European participation. They also aim to facilitate what could be the largest prisoner exchange since the conflict began, according to Politico.
Key Details
Kushner stressed that European involvement is important for discussions on changing Europe's security framework. This has been a long-standing demand from Russia. However, some European officials are concerned about the potential impact on regional security. The Guardian reported that Trump's administration is considering a broader deal. This deal could reshape security arrangements across Europe, which may worry leaders in Eastern Europe.
Background
European leaders are reportedly divided over who should represent them in the talks. Officials from the UK, France, Germany, the EU, and NATO are expected to participate. Critics warn that a lack of unity and focus could lead to negative outcomes for Ukraine. Trump has suggested a deal that might reward Russia for its actions in Ukraine. The potential agreement could involve giving control of occupied territories to Moscow and lifting some Western sanctions, as reported by The Guardian.
The ongoing negotiations could affect European energy markets and security-related assets. This is especially true if a deal leads to changes in sanctions or territorial control in Ukraine. Investors will closely watch the outcomes of the talks and any announcements about European participation in future negotiations.
Based on reporting by: politico.eu, theguardian.com