London (dpa) - Germany, France and the United Kingdom want to restart the stalled efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Keir Starmer met on Sunday evening at the British government headquarters at 10 Downing Street to discuss further support for Ukraine and prospects for negotiations with Russia. Shortly afterwards, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also arrived.
Before the four-way summit, Zelensky reiterated that Europeans should participate in possible peace talks with Russia. "Europe must be part of the negotiations and show strength," he wrote on X. In addition to diplomatic efforts, the meeting would also focus on military aid for the defense against Russia and the joint strengthening of European air defense. It is important to "discuss everything and agree on the key points at the level of heads of state and government," the Ukrainian president wrote.
Zelensky had proposed direct talks to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, but initially met with his rejection. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian leader now wants to prepare with European allies for possible new negotiations.
What is the current state of diplomatic efforts?
The USA has been mediating between Russia and Ukraine since the beginning of last year. However, efforts have now largely come to a standstill and the Americans seem to be losing interest. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said two weeks ago that from the US perspective, others could also try to end the war in Ukraine.
How have the Europeans been involved so far?
Germany, France and the United Kingdom, as the so-called E3, were already involved last year and took on the role of European negotiators. But recently they have only been spectators. In view of the waning US engagement, they now see a chance to get back into the game. "A window is slowly opening for talks between the European side and Russia," it is said in German government circles.
How do Merz and Co. see their role?
Unlike the USA, the Europeans see themselves not as mediators, but as allies of Ukraine. They are massively supporting the country with weapons deliveries and at the same time imposing sanctions on Russia to build pressure on Moscow to end the war. If they enter the negotiations, they will stand alongside Ukraine and not act as moderators.
How does Putin view European involvement?
Putin is fundamentally open to European involvement, but has his own ideas. He brought former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder into play as a European negotiator and met with him this week in the Moscow Kremlin. Schröder became a lobbyist for Russian energy companies after his chancellorship. He has distanced himself from the Russian attack on Ukraine, but has maintained his friendly connection to Putin.
Is Schröder an option as a negotiator for the Europeans?
On the German side, Putin's proposal is seen as a provocation and is not taken seriously. Other suggestions such as former Chancellor Angela Merkel or former ECB President Mario Draghi are also unlikely to be considered by the federal government. It believes that governments should steer the process. "There is much to suggest that the E3 will continue to play an important role," it is said in German government circles.
How do the Europeans see the role of the Americans?
From the German government's perspective, the Americans should definitely stay on board. "Coordination instead of competition" with the Americans is desired, it is said. And with the other Europeans, the aim is to achieve "the greatest possible alignment."
What is the time perspective for negotiations?
How long it will take before negotiations is completely open. At present, the fighting between Russia and Ukraine is intensifying. But precisely the heavy fighting with large losses on both sides could increase the willingness to negotiate. On the German side, however, it is expected that this will take "not weeks, but months."
In London, before it comes to who the negotiators are, the substantive line for possible negotiations should be clarified. From the German perspective, a "clear political compass" and a "clear target image" are needed for the further process.
