Macron’s Circle Admits Direct Negotiations with Putin Are Inevitable

Europe will eventually have to engage in direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of any serious effort to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, a French official close to the Élysée Palace has said. The official stressed that there is no viable alternative to continued attempts at persuading Moscow of the feasibility of a peace plan.

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Speaking to The Financial Times, the official said European leaders are preparing a new round of discussions with the so-called "coalition of the willing” and acknowledged the inevitability of direct negotiations with the Russian leader.

Europe Prepares for Renewed Peace Efforts

According to the French official, European policymakers believe that "there is no other solution than to keep trying” to convince Russia that a negotiated settlement on Ukraine remains possible. This approach, he said, ultimately requires a face-to-face political dialogue with Putin.

The "coalition of the willing” includes more than 30 countries, primarily European, that have expressed readiness to participate in a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. France and the United Kingdom play a coordinating role within the group.

Macron Signals Openness to Talks with Moscow

French President Emmanuel Macron made a similar statement following the European Union summit held in Brussels on December 18-19. At the time, he called on Europe to resume negotiations with the Russian president in order to pursue a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

Macron emphasized that both Europeans and Ukrainians share an interest in finding a suitable framework for restoring contact with Russia. He reiterated this position earlier in June, arguing that Europe should not remain locked in a permanent state of escalation or endlessly increase arms supplies.

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov later stated that Putin is ready for dialogue with Macron if there is "mutual political will.” Le Monde, citing the Élysée Palace, subsequently reported that the French president's office welcomed Russia's stated readiness for dialogue.