Europe sends five-country team to Ukraine peace talks
The EU is sending diplomats from Brussels. It will also send representatives from five countries. They are going to the next round of Ukraine peace talks.
Europe fears being shut out of Ukraine peace talks. The US is having separate talks with Russia.
The European Council announced Friday that Europe will send diplomats from the EU's 27-member bloc. It will also send representatives from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Poland.
Europe must speak with one unified voice, said Council President Antonio Costa. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned against US-Russia deals made without European input.
He recalled when Trump's envoys surprised allies during Alaska talks with Russian officials. Russia has resisted including Europe.
It argues the bloc arms Ukraine. The talks follow meetings between US envoys and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
The Kremlin gave mixed signals on whether it would accept European participation.
Why it mattersA unified European voice could prevent Russia and the US from making decisions about Ukraine's future. European allies need to be part of those decisions.
AustraliaAustralia continues to support Ukraine. Europe's role in negotiations affects the conflict's path and whether any peace deal will hold.
