Sir – Edward Burke is correct to state that European-Russian diplomatic channels have been open throughout the duration of the Russia-Ukraine war (Letters, June 16th). The point though is that diplomatic urgency has been lacking. The European attitude, until very recently, has been to sit back and hope that US president Donald Trump sorts it out. This is an abdication of responsibility and a shows lack of European leadership.Of course, negotiating with Russian president Vladimir Putin would not be easy, as noted by Frank Desmond (Letters, June 16th). French president Emmanuel Macron was humiliated when he travelled to Moscow in February 2022 to try to prevent the war. Yet at least he tried. Now European capitals need to plan for what comes next, particularly as the battlefield balance seems to be changing. They need to engage in scenario planning, diplomatic simulation and long-term forecasting. Most of all, they need to display diplomatic activity that demonstrates that they mean business to help bring this war to an end.It is about forcing Putin on to the hard shoulder rather than providing him with an off-ramp. Sitting back and waiting for the capricious Trump to act will not do that.With the imminent EU presidency, Ireland has a role to play in this. Minding the shop for six months at this crucial juncture in European history will not be enough.Yours, etcPROF ROGER MAC GINTY,School of Government and international Affairs,Durham University,Durham.