Macron could negotiate with Russia on behalf of Europe.
French President Emmanuel Macron is being urged to negotiate with Russia on behalf of Europe, given the close ties maintained with Moscow.
According to TASS, the British newspaper Daily Telegraph, citing sources from the Elysee Palace, reported that French President Emmanuel Macron could represent Europe in negotiations with Russian leaders on peace in Ukraine.
According to the source, the French leader will be ready to assume this role "when the time is right," but the source emphasized that time has not yet come. The Telegraph noted that President Macron is being pushed to take this step by other members of a "voluntary alliance," pointing out that he has previously maintained close contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Meanwhile, according to the Telegraph, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has no plans to negotiate with Russia.
Previously, the "voluntary alliance" had concluded that at least one European leader should engage in direct dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine issue. According to Finnish President Alexander Stubb, "France or Britain should negotiate with Putin."
According to Russian President Vladimir Putin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin has yet to receive any signals from Europe regarding a willingness to engage in dialogue and a desire to hold talks with the Russian leader.
In March 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters that he would be ready to resume dialogue with Russian President Putin when both Europe and Ukraine decided on the appropriate time.
