European Leaders Push for Direct Russia-Ukraine Negotiations Amid Diplomatic Efforts
British, French, and German ambassadors met with Russian officials in Moscow to urge direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, conveying support for President Zelensky's peace proposal. Italian Premier Meloni separately called on the EU to appoint a representative to negotiate with Russia, reflecting broader European debate over engagement strategy. These diplomatic moves come as Western nations seek to end the four-year conflict while Russia has shown preference for direct talks with the Trump administration.
European diplomatic efforts to facilitate peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are intensifying through multiple channels. British, French, and German ambassadors held a rare meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin on June 11, where they conveyed their countries' support for direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv following a UK summit with Ukrainian President Zelensky and Western leaders. Simultaneously, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni called for the EU to appoint a dedicated envoy to negotiate with Russia, adding her voice to ongoing European discussions about engagement strategy. The diplomatic push reflects frustration with the stalled conflict, though Russia has indicated preference for negotiations with the Trump administration rather than European intermediaries. Moscow rejected the ambassadors' overtures, accusing Western countries of wanting to prolong the war, while Putin previously declined Zelensky's offer for direct talks.
What different sources said
- The Straits TimesCenter
British, French and German envoys urge direct Russia-Ukraine talks
- BloombergCenter
Italy’s Meloni Says EU Must Find Envoy to Speak to Russia
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