Media: Macron emerges as Europe's lead for ceasefire talks with Putin

The latest article by The Telegraph argues that Emmanuel Macron is poised to take on the role of Europe’s principal envoy in negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine.

The move comes amid calls from some members of the so-called “coalition of the willing” for a European leader to spearhead dialogue with Moscow, in an effort to bolster support for Kyiv. While both Macron and British Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer have been mentioned as potential interlocutors, sources indicate that Starmer has no plans to engage directly with Putin as part of the UK’s defense strategy for Ukraine.

A source from the Élysée Palace revealed that Macron is ready to assume the role “when the time is right.” The French president has long positioned himself as a mediator between Europe and Moscow, keeping diplomatic channels open even as he faced criticism from staunch supporters of Kyiv. However, he eventually ceased direct communications with the Kremlin once it became clear that Putin had no intention of ending the invasion.

When asked about the potential resumption of direct contact with Putin, the official noted, “Apparently, not yet.” To date, former US President Donald Trump remains the only world leader who has directly engaged with Putin over the mechanics of a ceasefire deal, although some European officials have criticized his approach as overly conciliatory towards the Russian leader.

This week, Finnish President Alexander Stubb suggested that both Britain and France should lead any future talks with Putin. “My personal preference would be that our representatives of the coalition of the willing would be doing that. In other words, France or the United Kingdom,” he commented.

Despite allowing Trump’s diplomatic initiatives to continue, both France and Britain have urged further measures to pressure Putin into negotiations. Western officials speculate that as patience with Putin wanes, Trump may be forced to escalate military support for Ukraine.

Recent history also recalls that Germany’s former Chancellor Olaf Scholz was the last major European leader to hold discussions with Putin, a move that was widely criticized. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that reopening such channels could provide Putin with the legitimacy he seeks, potentially “opening a Pandora’s box” by ending his international isolation.

Last month, following a European Council meeting, Macron told reporters, “I am ready to talk to President Putin when we, together with President Zelensky and our European partners, consider that the time is right.” This statement came on the heels of Trump’s announcement of initiating peace talks with Putin—a process that has since stalled after Russia dismissed a 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposal and rejected a more limited truce in the Black Sea pending the easing of Western sanctions.

By Tamilla Hasanova