Some European governments are pressuring the EU to appoint a negotiator to represent their interests in Ukraine, fearing that the United States will conclude a deal with Russia behind their backs.
This unprecedented move would mark a major shift in how Europe engages in the series of bilateral discussions mediated by US President Donald Trump and comes as the continent strives to demonstrate that it is prepared to play a major role in any agreement that would end the four-year war, writes News.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have joined forces in recent weeks to request the opening of diplomatic channels to Russian leader Vladimir Putin and his inner circle, even as peace negotiations at the White House are at a standstill.
“Macron has argued in recent days that, given the bilateral discussions between Americans and Russians, it is important to have at least a role in the discussion,” a senior French official said. “Meloni has strongly supported this… they are not naive about what can be achieved through these discussions, but, regarding the balance between not getting involved and getting involved, there is a growing appreciation (of the merits of involvement) in some capitals,” the source added.
There remain major disagreements over the details of the position. Critics say that appointing a negotiator would imply that Russia is ready to negotiate in good faith and would accept anything other than the total submission of Ukraine. Trump’s efforts to mediate a deal have so far failed, with the Kremlin refusing to give up its demand for Ukraine to cede portions of territory that Russian troops have failed to conquer.
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