Paris talks bring Europe to table on Ukraine peace negotiations

Talks in Paris between U.S. officials and European leaders have kickstarted a new diplomatic format aimed at shaping Ukraine's post-war future, with the involvement of Europe’s three most powerful countries.

The meeting, held Thursday at the Élysée Palace, brought together U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff with senior officials from France, Britain and Germany — the so-called “E3.” A senior adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron described the session as “excellent” and said it marked the beginning of a more structured European role in the peace process.

“The E3 are around the table, and we’re doing it with a European ambition,” the adviser told reporters after the talks, adding that the outcome was “positive” and “constructive.”

Until now, the bulk of Ukraine-focused negotiations have been driven by Washington, with European capitals mostly aligned but less directly involved in shaping the framework of potential outcomes. Paris is now seeking to reposition Europe as a more proactive player.

A follow-up meeting among top negotiators from the same countries is scheduled for next week in London, the official said, though no public details were given about the precise agenda.

The talks come as the U.S. continues to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow. While no peace deal is yet on the table, the process appears to be gaining momentum, with wider international coordination taking form.

Copied