Macron to be Europe's key negotiator with Putin - The Telegraph

According to the publication, some members of the "coalition of willing" insist that the European leader should head the interaction with Russia as part of efforts to support Kyiv.

The Telegraph writes that Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer were highlighted as the most likely interlocutors with Moscow. However, the British prime minister does not plan to negotiate with Putin as part of the UK's efforts to support Ukraine's defense.

Meanwhile, a source in the Élysée Palace reported that Macron is ready to take on this role "when the time is right."

The media notes that since the start of the full-scale war, the French president has positioned himself as a mediator between Europe and the Kremlin leader. He kept diplomatic channels open with Moscow longer than any of the staunchest Kyiv supporters in Europe, despite sharp criticism of his actions.

However, Macron ceased any direct contact with the Kremlin when it became clear to him that Putin had no intention of stopping the invasion. But when asked whether the time had come to resume contact with the Russian leader, a representative from the Élysée Palace replied, "Apparently, not yet."

A month earlier, after the European Council meeting, Macron told journalists:

“I am ready to talk to President Putin when we, together with President Zelenskyy and our European partners, consider that the time is right," said the French president.

His statement came at a time when US President Donald Trump announced the start of peace talks with Putin. The Telegraph also noted that, at present, Trump is the only world leader directly engaging with the Kremlin leader on the ceasefire agreement mechanism in Ukraine.