Zelenskiy calls for Europe to establish independent track for talks with Russia

Volodymyr Zelenskiy: Volodymyr Zelenskiy is the President of Ukraine, leading the country's response to Russia's ongoing war through direct engagement with European and international partners. In mid-October 2026, he participated in an EU summit in Brussels, meeting with European Council and Commission leaders to discuss security support and negotiation formats. He is directly relevant to the news as the source of the statement advocating for Europe to establish its own independent diplomatic track for talks with Russia, operating in parallel with US efforts. Diplomacy: Europe is actively pursuing steps to create its own diplomatic channel with Russia focused on representing Ukrainian interests in parallel with US-led processes. EU Engagement: Zelenskiy held recent meetings in Brussels with top EU officials to coordinate on ending the war through multiple negotiation tracks.