Zelenskyy to meet US envoys in Dublin after Russia peace talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Dublin on Thursday, on the sidelines of a summit bringing together leaders from more than 45 countries.

The two envoys are expected to arrive in the afternoon from Moscow, where they met Russian President Vladimir Putin, and brief Zelenskyy on the latest efforts to end the war in Ukraine, following two days of talks in Abu Dhabi.

Zelenskyy is in Dublin for the ninth summit of the European Political Community (EPC), hosted by Ireland as part of its rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Welcoming the Ukrainian president on Wednesday evening, Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised the courage of the Ukrainian people and condemned Russia's continuing attacks on the country.

"It is barbarous, and it is vile, and I once again offer my heartfelt solidarity to the people of Ukraine and my undying admiration for your unwavering resolve, resilience, and bravery,” said Martin as part of a joint press conference in Government Buildings on Wednesday night.

Zelenskyy said he was grateful that European representatives were in Abu Dhabi for talks but insisted that Europe needs to be central to any negotiations regarding the future security architecture of the continent.

He urged leaders to coalesce around one representative for Europe as part of future talks.

Earlier on Wednesday, Kushner told a press conference in Abu Dhabi that he would seek Putin's "blessing" for a direct European role in the talks.

"This war is in Ukraine, and ending this war without Europe’s participation would be unjust, and it would be impossible,” Zelenskyy said speaking alongside the Taoiseach.