France, Germany, UK seek role in Russia-Ukraine peace talks

France, Germany and Britain are working to ensure Europe has a direct role in any future negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war, amid concerns that US President Donald Trump could seek to broker a settlement without European involvement, European officials told The New York Times.

European diplomats are developing a framework for future negotiations that would be led by the three countries, known as the “E3”, with the aim of protecting European interests in any potential agreement.

France and Germany are taking the lead in shaping a common European position, according to two senior European diplomats and a senior European official involved in the effort. Britain has taken a more cautious approach, partly because of concerns about damaging its relationship with Trump, the officials said.

European governments expect that any negotiations with Russia would ultimately be led by the United States. However, they are urging Trump and his representatives to resume engagement with Moscow, as Russian forces continue to launch ballistic missile attacks against Ukraine.

There is currently little indication that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to enter serious negotiations, according to the officials.

European governments are increasingly concerned that Ukraine’s future and Europe’s relations with Russia could be determined without their participation. They want to prevent Washington and Moscow from reaching an agreement that could significantly affect European security without European governments having a seat at the table.

Britain, France and Germany believe they should form the core European negotiating group supporting Ukraine, according to three European officials. The E3 are central members of the “coalition of the willing” supporting Kyiv and have developed proposals for military and security guarantees for Ukraine following any potential peace settlement.

The effort reflects growing concern in European capitals over Trump’s approach to the war and his increasingly unpredictable foreign policy. European officials argue that the security implications of any settlement with Russia are too important for Europe to leave entirely to Washington and Moscow.

By Sabina Mammadli