Some members of the European coalition supporting a potential agreement on Ukraine and peace guarantees have suggested that France or the UK could take the lead in negotiations.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb, for example, has supported France’s role.
A source from the Elysee Palace confirmed that French President Emmanuel Macron is willing to assume this role but noted that the time for talks with Vladimir Putin has not yet arrived. When asked about resuming contact with Putin, the source said, “Probably not yet.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated he has no plans to engage in talks with Moscow.
Earlier, in March 2025, Macron indicated that he would be open to discussions with Putin when he, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European partners deem it the "right time."