The EU is sending a diplomatic team to the upcoming Ukraine talks. According to European Council President Antonio Costa, Europe will be represented by delegates from the 27 EU states and by five members of the "coalition of the willing": the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Poland.

The background is concern about being sidelined in a US-led negotiating process while Moscow and Washington decide the conflict between them. French President Emmanuel Macron said in Dublin: "Without the Europeans, there is no support for Ukraine." There is also deep distrust of US President Donald Trump, who is not meant to represent Europe after rows over trade, Greenland and the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. US envoy Jared Kushner and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said after a meeting in Dublin that Europe would take part in the next round of talks.

There is disagreement over the form of representation. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni argues for a single envoy, because going it alone weakens the European voice. High Representative Kaja Kallas claims the role for herself. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mocked that the Europeans "squabble like spiders in a jar".

Key points:

• European Council President Antonio Costa said on Friday that Brussels would send diplomats from the EU and from five countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Poland, to the upcoming Ukraine talks.
• Costa said the continent would be represented by delegates from the 27 EU states and from five members of the "coalition of the willing" supporting Ukraine: the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Poland.
• European leaders fear being sidelined in a US-backed process and leaving Kyiv exposed while Moscow and Washington decide the fate of a conflict that has shaken the continent.

Source: France 24 (English)