French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that leaders from France, the United Kingdom, and Germany are set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the coming days.
The discussions are expected to take place on Sunday evening in the UK, although sources familiar with the preparations indicate that Zelensky’s schedule remains flexible, and the timing of the meeting is not yet confirmed.
This upcoming dialogue is part of a renewed diplomatic effort aimed at finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Macron previously expressed the need for direct negotiations between Ukraine and the Kremlin during a speech at the EU-Western Balkans summit in Tivat, Montenegro, stating, “Europeans can help.”
The impetus for this increased diplomatic engagement follows Zelensky’s recent proposal to revive talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he conveyed through an open letter. European leaders in London, Paris, and Berlin believe there is an opportunity to encourage Moscow to engage more actively in dialogue, particularly in light of successful Ukrainian drone operations targeting sites within Russia.
Additionally, the slowdown of negotiations previously facilitated by the United States has contributed to the urgency of this initiative. Recent focus from U.S. President Donald Trump has shifted towards events in Iran and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
“Someone in the EU needs to take the initiative, and Mr. Trump does not have time for it,” stated Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis in an interview with Bloomberg News. “He is too preoccupied with the Hormuz conflict, and Europe must take a role in ending the war.”
However, within the European Union, there is no consensus regarding a more active role in new peace initiatives. Sources indicate that Baltic states have urged caution, while other nations advocate for further discussions on potential actions.
Disagreements have also arisen over the proposal to appoint a special EU representative for contacts with Putin. While some countries support this initiative, others have raised concerns about the associated risks. “This is a trap that Russia wants us to fall into, discussing who talks to them,” remarked Kaja Kallas, the EU’s chief diplomat. “They are already choosing who is suitable and who is not—let’s not fall into this trap.”
European leaders are preparing for a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky as part of renewed diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing conflict with Russia. The discussions aim to explore pathways to peace amidst shifting dynamics in international negotiations.