Europe wants to bring Putin to negotiating table before winter and is preparing plan — Bloomberg

Details of the European initiative

As reported by the outlet, the possibility of holding talks involving both sides is being discussed by officials from Europe’s three largest economies — Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. They have already held consultations with their Ukrainian counterparts.

According to sources, European leaders see a window of opportunity to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table. This is driven by several factors, including the fact that US-led negotiations have currently stalled and Russian forces are suffering increasing losses on the battlefield.

In addition, Ukraine is demonstrating progress by carrying out effective drone strikes deep inside Russia, while in Moscow itself, there are early signs of growing dissatisfaction with the war at the highest levels.

Goals of the allies and Ukraine’s position

By launching a diplomatic track now, the allies aim to avoid another difficult winter. They expect the Kremlin to once again intensify attacks on civilians and energy infrastructure in an effort to undermine Ukrainian morale.

At the same time, insiders emphasize that European countries will not force Kyiv into concessions. The final decision on the feasibility and launch of negotiations with Russia will be made exclusively by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In the coming days, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to coordinate further steps.

How Ukraine plans to end the war before winter

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that Ukraine is ready for any format of a diplomatic end to the war, including direct talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

According to him, Kyiv is seeking new diplomatic pathways because the US shift of focus toward other global conflicts has significantly delayed the process of involving American negotiators.

At the same time, the Office of the President emphasizes the realism of ending the "hot phase" of hostilities in the coming months. Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov confirmed that ending the war before the start of winter is a direct order from the head of state, and that Ukraine has the necessary capabilities to implement this plan.

This diplomatic activity is unfolding against the backdrop of a shift in battlefield dynamics. The Russian offensive on the front has significantly slowed, and the pace of the occupying forces’ advance has fallen to the lowest level in a year.

Ukraine’s Defense Forces are compensating for the enemy’s numerical superiority with technology, extensively striking military targets and defense industry facilities deep inside the territory of the Russian Federation using long-range UAVs.