Andrea Innocenti The American diplomatic team has announced significant progress in the search for a solution to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia . Jared Kushner, the US special envoy, described the recent exchanges as " significant progress ," anticipating the imminent announcement of further details on a new round of talks. The news comes as the international coalition seeks to move from an exclusively trilateral dialogue to a more multilateral structure , actively involving European institutions.
Meetings in Dublin: USA, EU, and the E4 Format
In Dublin, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with sherpas from the European Union and the countries belonging to the so-called E4 format —Great Britain, France, Germany, and Italy —plus Poland, participants at the Abu Dhabi roundtable. The meeting was described as "productive" and allowed them to explore the possibility of broadening the upcoming negotiations, moving from the traditional US-Russia-Ukraine format to a model in which Europeans play a central role.
The goal is to schedule a new round of talks shortly after the “Willing” summit scheduled for November 19.
Statements by Kushner and Zelensky on the importance of Europe
Kushner vehemently emphasized that " an agreement cannot be reached without the Europeans ." This statement, delivered after a meeting in Dublin with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reiterates his belief that EU participation is essential for any lasting solution.
Zelensky, on the other hand, confirmed that " Europeans will participate in the upcoming talks ," ruling out the possibility that they will remain sidelined. Both statements underscore the need for shared commitment between Washington, Kiev, and Brussels.
Progress in Moscow: New trilateral round and humanitarian operation
Meanwhile, in Moscow, the meeting between Vladimir Putin and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner has produced concrete results. It was agreed to launch a new humanitarian operation in Kostyantynivka , in the Special Military Operation zone, with immediate demining work. Russian presidential advisor Yuri Ushakov stated that specific contacts with US representatives will be initiated promptly. Furthermore, a new round of trilateral talks has been scheduled, marking the return of a dialogue that " no one thought we would be able to resume ." Witkoff specified that this new meeting responds to President Donald Trump's requests.
Reactions from European leaders and prospects for the future
At the European Political Community Conference in Dublin, European Council President António Costa emphasized that, so far, Russia continues to prioritize war escalation over peace. Costa emphasized the importance of a ceasefire , navigation in the Black Sea, and creating the conditions for an agreement. Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attended the Berlin Format meeting, reaffirming her full support for Ukraine and subsequently meeting with Zelensky in bilateral talks. Furthermore, the foreign ministers of the Baltic and Nordic countries, meeting via video conference, called for even greater pressure on Moscow, emphasizing that Russia must not take advantage of the negotiating table. Finally, the Ukrainian president discussed with Costa and Ursula von der Leyen the need for full EU involvement in future negotiations, and with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, he highlighted the difficulties created by the disruption of the Starshield system, requesting assistance for the PAC-2 and PAC-3 systems.
Upcoming APEC Summit and the Possibility of a Trump-Putin Meeting
Russian adviser Yuri Ushakov announced that a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump is planned on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Shenzhen, China, on November 18-19. This meeting follows recent talks in Moscow and could open up further opportunities to discuss the future architecture of European security, including the humanitarian issue mentioned in connection with Kostyantynivka.