Europe may need to engage Putin directly if Ukraine peace talks stall, Macron warns

Bloomberg reported the information.

Speaking to reporters in Brussels, Macron outlined two potential paths forward for resolving the war. "Either a lasting peace is reached" through current negotiations "or we find ways for Europeans to re-engage in a dialog with Russia — in transparency and association with Ukraine," the French leader stated.

Macron's remarks signal a potential shift in European strategy as the United States takes the lead in facilitating peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv. The French president emphasized that renewed engagement with the Kremlin would need to be conducted openly and in coordination with Ukrainian authorities.

"It will become useful again to speak to Vladimir Putin," Macron added, suggesting that direct European-Russian dialogue may become necessary depending on the outcome of current diplomatic efforts.

The comments come amid intensifying international efforts to find a negotiated settlement to the war, which is approaching its fourth year. Macron's statement reflects growing European concerns about maintaining influence in any peace process that could reshape the security architecture of the continent.