Western media revealed today (Thursday) European moves to develop plans with Ukraine to involve Russia in negotiations to end the war, amid what is seen as momentum strengthening the position of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to informed sources, officials from Europe’s three largest economies—Germany, France, and Britain—discussed the possibility of holding talks involving both parties. They also discussed the matter with their Ukrainian counterparts, while spokespersons for the governments of the three countries did not comment on the information.
The sources explained that with US-led talks stalling and Russian forces suffering increasing losses amid the stalemate on the battlefield, these countries see a potential opportunity to push Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table. They considered that pressure on the Kremlin is increasing, especially with the success of Ukrainian forces in carrying out drone attacks deep inside Russian territory.
The sources stated that the final decision on proceeding with any negotiation path with Russia rests with Zelensky, confirming that European countries will not pressure him to accept any strategy he does not agree to. They also expected that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer would hold talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron in the coming days.
Zelensky had warned that Ukraine urgently needs more Patriot systems and other air defense capabilities, as Russia continues to bomb Ukrainian cities. He also called on Europe to find a greater role for itself in the negotiation efforts that have been primarily led by the United States.
In contrast, critics of the idea of engaging in direct talks with Russia at this time, including officials from the three European countries, argued that the timing is not right for negotiating with Moscow. They stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin “has not shown any serious initiative in negotiations and still clings to difficult demands, including Ukraine’s surrender of territories not under Moscow’s control.”
They emphasized the need to exploit the current circumstances to provide Zelensky with the weapons he needs and increase pressure on the Kremlin by tightening and escalating sanctions.
The sources added that the E3 group should work in coordination with the United States to force Russia to sit at the negotiating table. They considered that the problem lies in Moscow, not Kyiv, and confirmed that European countries should not be the party asking Putin to negotiate; rather, the opposite should be the case, given the increasing economic challenges facing Russia and the high rate of its monthly losses.
