Europe faces a choice as Putin and US representatives discuss the settlement in Ukraine and the future security arrangement.
The meeting at Kimmel, which lasted over two hours, brought together Vladimir Putin, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and focused on ending the conflict in Ukraine, Europe's role in the negotiations and the continent's future security structure.
Putin said Europe had cut off dialogue with Russia and rejected Trump's proposal for a new European security framework, and called on Washington to help European governments decide whether they want peace or continued conflict.
He reiterated that foreign military forces in Ukraine would be unacceptable in Russia and would be considered legitimate targets for Russian forces.
Witkoff noted that European countries are interested in participating in the negotiations but were not directly involved in the trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi, although they were provided with information.
Kushner confirmed that Washington has begun discussions with European governments on long-term security arrangements involving Russia, Ukraine and the continent, with the aim of ending the conflict and preventing future wars.
The two US representatives expressed hope for further progress in the negotiations, with Witkoff raising the possibility of another tripartite round that would include European representatives.
Humanitarian issues also took center stage: Putin proposed a mission in Konstantinovka, Vitkoff drew attention to the upcoming prisoner exchange as proof of progress.