French President Emmanuel Macron has urged the European Union to reconsider opening talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as diplomatic initiatives to resolve the Ukraine conflict gain momentum. He noted that some European countries have already established communication channels with Moscow and argued that re‑establishing a framework for discussion serves the interests of both Europeans and Ukrainians. Macron stressed that negotiations require a structured approach; without one, they would be ineffective.
The call for dialogue comes after a recent EU summit failed to reach an agreement on how to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. Leaders could not decide on a plan to channel €210 billion in frozen assets into a “reparations loan” for Ukraine, a proposal intended to cover the country’s estimated $160 billion fiscal shortfall over the next two years. Belgium, which holds a large share of the assets, opposed the plan, citing legal and financial risks. Consequently, EU leaders agreed to raise funds on capital markets to provide Ukraine with a multi‑year loan, a decision that exposed divisions within the bloc as several member states secured opt‑outs.
Russia condemned the Western proposals to tap its frozen assets, labeling them “theft” and warning of possible legal retaliation. Senior Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev welcomed the collapse of the plan, saying it demonstrated the West’s failure to bully others into breaking the law. The last phone call between Putin and Macron occurred in July, during which they discussed the Ukraine conflict. Macron has previously advised other EU states to consider restoring dialogue with Moscow.
While Russia has denounced EU militarization, it has expressed a willingness to engage in talks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, however, suggested that European participation might not yield positive results. The development of diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict will be closely monitored in the coming weeks. The EU’s decision to raise funds on capital markets underscores its ongoing commitment to providing financial assistance to Ukraine, and the willingness of European leaders to reengage with Russia could play a significant role in shaping the conflict’s future.
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