Germany, France and Britain weigh Ukraine-Russia talks push
What's next: European officials see any talks as months away and insist Kyiv must approve the format and timing.
Germany, France and Britain are working with Ukraine on possible steps to engage Russia in negotiations to end the war, as European officials judge that battlefield trends may improve Kyiv’s leverage. German officials said any opening for dialogue is still gradual and that talks are likely months away, not weeks. The three countries, often called the E3, are seen as central to any European role, especially with US-brokered efforts stalled. European governments also want close coordination with Washington and say Ukraine must fully back any format before contacts begin. Berlin and its allies have also ruled out former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as a possible envoy in future talks with Moscow.