European Leaders Take Lead in Ukraine Peace Talks as U.S. Shifts Focus to Iran War
Updated
Updated · POLITICO Europe · Jun 8
European Leaders Take Lead in Ukraine Peace Talks as U.S. Shifts Focus to Iran War
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO Europe · Jun 8
Summary
Germany said European leaders are now ready to lead negotiations to end Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine after a London meeting of Ukraine, France, Germany and the U.K.
Merz spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said the process is gaining “new momentum” in Europe and that the continent will continue talks the U.S. had largely led, while staying closely coordinated with Washington.
The shift comes as the Trump administration is increasingly focused on ending the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, creating space for Europe to step forward on Ukraine diplomacy.
Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have led Russia-Ukraine mediation efforts since early 2025, but those talks have produced few tangible results.