Moscow has firmly rejected the latest peace proposal from Britain, France, and Germany, calling the terms „unacceptable.” The so-called E3 countries hoped to open negotiations as early as next month, but the Kremlin’s spokesperson made it clear that the conditions put forward are a non-starter.
The proposal, which seeks to freeze the conflict along the current front line and secure U.S. backing, was dismissed by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. She accused the European leaders of pursuing a course that prevents the creation of conditions for a genuine, comprehensive, and just peace. Her comments came after the E3 summit in London, where British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Europe’s plan met with skepticism
According to Bloomberg, the three European powers want to organise talks involving Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and European states as early as next month. They are counting on President Donald Trump to support their initiative and increase pressure on the Kremlin. Simultaneously, Britain and the EU are preparing a new round of sanctions against Russia, expected to be adopted in the coming weeks.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed earlier this week that the ambassadors of Britain, France, and Germany had requested a meeting with his deputy. He expressed doubt about the sincerity of Western intentions, noting the insulting remarks and personal attacks made by their leaders against Russia. – We will meet them, listen. I am curious to see how these people can present anything that could lead to constructive conclusions, after their superiors have said offensive things about Russia and repeatedly resorted to personal attacks – Lavrov said, as quoted by the RIA Novosti agency.
Kremlin accuses Europe of prolonging war
Zakharova pointed to a statement by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who highlighted what Moscow sees as a contradictory stance from France, Germany, and Britain. – In their statement, the leaders pretend to call for peace, but in reality they present pre-emptively unacceptable conditions, increasing the production of long-range weapons for Kyiv and generally supporting the militarisation of Ukraine and Europe – she said.
– Europe demands a seat at the negotiating table, de facto as part of a united Western and Ukrainian delegation against Russia – Zakharova added, according to the TASS news agency. She also dismissed the E3 initiative as nothing new, recalling that similar ideas were promoted in 2022-2024 at the Copenhagen and Bürgenstock formats, which she claimed were discredited because they did not seek peace but war.
The United States holds a crucial role in the diplomatic equation. Washington’s position remains the key variable; European leaders hope Trump will endorse their proposal and help build leverage over Moscow. Without American support, the E3 plan may lack the weight needed to bring Russia to the negotiating table. The Kremlin’s latest rejection signals that any talks will require far more than a freeze on hostilities.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
