Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has called for a face-to-face meeting with Vladimir Putin in a renewed bid to end the war with Russia. His offer comes as serious talk in Europe emerges about appointing its own peace envoy to deal with Moscow.
After having met both Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president, I can assure you: they respect only power. The debate about envoys risks becoming a distraction if it is not anchored in a peace-through-strength strategy.
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Europe has, to its credit, begun to fill the gaps left by a disengaged United States. I write as a lifelong transatlanticist who worked with several American presidents. But the conclusion is now unavoidable: Washington is no longer coming to Europe’s rescue.
Germany in particular has shown real leadership, with serious money, weapons and political commitment. France and Britain have put together a „coalition of the willing” for Ukraine. Yet this is far from enough. Before further discussion on the appointment of a negotiator, Europe should ensure that a potential envoy can operate from a position of strength. There are three things it can do.
