Europe outlines “red lines” to U.S. in Ukraine-Russia peace talks, French FM says

Reuters writes the update comes after the first joint discussions in Paris last Thursday between Ukraine, the U.S., France, Britain, and Germany since President Donald Trump took office. The countries shared their positions on ending the war, which has now dragged on for over three years.

Top diplomats, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are expected to reconvene in London on Wednesday to continue the dialogue.

"The only objective that concerns us is to defend French interests and European security. It's the reason that as the U.S. decide to place itself in a mediator position that we make them hear what our 'red lines' are," Barrot told franceinfo radio on Tuesday, referring to issues that the European leaders would not budge on. He did not elaborate.

Asked whether President Trump’s claim that a peace deal could be reached this week was realistic, Barrot said the outcome ultimately hinges on Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

• U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope that Russia and Ukraine will "make a deal" next week.