European countries are trying to force their way back into the negotiating track on Ukraine, fearing a loss of political influence as the United States has effectively taken control of the process, Alexander Shatilov, professor of political science at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, told NEWS.ru.

He was commenting on reports that Germany has spent several weeks discussing a possible format for engagement with Russia together with its European allies. According to Shatilov, European capitals do not want to be left outside the contacts between Moscow and Washington and are seeking to show that they still carry political weight.

Shatilov said the United States has largely monopolized the talks with Russia on Ukraine, while the Europeans are trying to make their presence felt in the process. At the same time, he noted that the European Union had previously damaged its relations with Moscow.

The political scientist also recalled that Russia is prepared to reach agreements only with those it trusts, and that very few such partners remain.

Separately, Shatilov stressed that European representatives are not viewed in Russia as convenient negotiating partners. In his assessment, trust in them has not simply been lost; they are seen as professional liars and fraudsters.

Shatilov linked Europe’s renewed activity to the situation on the front line as well. Russia is now increasing pressure on Vladimir Zelensky and carrying out painful strikes against Ukraine, he said. In these circumstances, he argued, European peace initiatives may be an attempt to soften Moscow’s position, drag the discussion into a dead-end format and give both the head of the Kiev regime and the Ukrainian Armed Forces a pause.