European Leaders Prepare Direct Contacts With Putin as US Strategy Shifts
European capitals are reaching a growing consensus that continental leaders can no longer leave negotiations with Vladimir Putin solely to the United States, Gideon Rachman reported in his column. Direct communication channels with Moscow are already open, and a telephone conversation between European leaders and Putin could happen soon, according to the reporting. The current European approach toward Russia relies heavily on supporting Ukraine and maintaining anti-Russian sanctions, but direct involvement in peace efforts is increasingly viewed as a necessity, Rachman wrote.
Two Potential Proposals for Ending the Conflict
Europe is likely to offer Moscow two distinct proposals to end the war, despite current Russian caution, according to the commentary. The first option involves freezing the conflict along the current line of control in exchange for a guarantee that Ukraine will never join NATO. The second option would see Ukraine cede the remainder of the Donbas region to Russia in exchange for joining the alliance. Meanwhile, during talks with the United States, Russia has demanded that Ukraine withdraw without a fight from the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, though Ukraine rejects any territorial concessions.
Zelenskyy Faces Hard Choices Amid Rising War Fatigue
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could potentially sell either proposed compromise to his citizens despite the risk of public backlash, Rachman noted, given the strong domestic desire for peace. While Europeans remain skeptical that Putin will accept either plan, they still consider launching direct talks essential. This diplomatic pivot stems from a belief that attempts to appease the U.S. president are losing effectiveness, particularly as the White House focuses on upcoming congressional elections and maintains lingering grievances over European reluctance to join military actions against Iran. European officials worry that U.S. policy toward Moscow is driven primarily by a desire for commercial deals rather than a cohesive security vision.
Washington Pressure Sparks Shift in Diplomacy
The changing diplomacy follows months of frustration with Washington's approach to the conflict. The American president claimed he could end the war within 24 hours. The conflict has persisted for more than a year and a half while U.S. diplomatic pressure has targeted almost exclusively Ukraine. In a recent escalation of tensions, the administration restricted intelligence-sharing with Ukraine and, on the proposal of Elon Musk, limited Starlink, disrupting Ukrainian preparations against Russian aerial bombardments. Concurrently, Putin has proposed a trilateral meeting involving himself, the American president, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping—an initiative to which the White House is inclined, but which is opposed in Europe because it excludes both European representatives and Ukrainian officials, Rachman reported.
Common Questions About European Diplomatic Initiatives
Why are European leaders shifting toward direct talks with Moscow?
European capitals increasingly believe they can no longer rely solely on American intermediaries, especially as U.S. policy focuses on potential commercial deals with Russia and applies heavy pressure on Ukraine, according to Rachman.
What specific territorial compromises are reportedly being discussed?
According to Rachman’s analysis, the two options under consideration involve either freezing the conflict along current lines of control in exchange for a guarantee that Ukraine will never join NATO, or having Ukraine cede the remainder of the Donbas region in exchange for joining the alliance.
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