
Germany, France and the UK are working with Ukraine to create a framework that could pave the way for negotiations with Russia in an effort to end the war that has been going on for more than four years.
According to Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the discussions, officials from the three largest European economies have considered the possibility of launching talks that would include both Kiev and Moscow.
Sources said that this idea has also been discussed with Ukrainian authorities.
According to them, Berlin, Paris and London believe that recent developments on the battlefield have created a more favorable moment for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
With the US-led effort stalled and Russian forces facing mounting losses on a front characterized by military stalemate, European allies see an opportunity to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.
Pressure on the Kremlin has also been increased by Ukrainian drone attacks deep inside Russian territory, as well as the first signs of discontent with the war within some circles of the leadership in Moscow.
According to the report, one of the main reasons for acting now is to avoid another winter during which Russia could intensify attacks on Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure.
However, the sources stressed that any decision to approach Moscow remains in Zelensky's hands and that European countries will not pressure Kiev to pursue a strategy he does not support.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to hold talks in the coming days with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron regarding this issue.
Not everyone within the so-called E3 countries supports such an approach.
Some officials argue that the time is not right for negotiations, as Putin has shown no real willingness to compromise and continues to make maximalist demands, including the handover by Ukraine of territories not currently controlled by Russia.
According to this group, allies should focus on supplying Ukraine with more weapons and further strengthening sanctions against Russia.
The sources added that European countries should coordinate closely with the United States on any diplomatic initiative, as the main obstacle to negotiations lies in Moscow, not Kiev.