Europe’s most influential trio is making its move. Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, operating as the E3 group, are actively coordinating with Ukraine to develop a framework for engaging Russian President Vladimir Putin in direct negotiations to end the war.
The diplomatic push comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s bargaining position has strengthened, creating what European leaders apparently view as the right moment to press for talks.
What’s happening on the diplomatic front
The groundwork was laid on May 22, when Zelenskyy sat down with French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The meeting focused on revamping the negotiation strategy and presenting a united European front.
Ukraine’s lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, followed up by traveling to Berlin in late May to meet directly with E3 national security advisers.
