According to The New York Times, the European Union remains divided over which countries should represent Europe in possible negotiations aimed at settling the conflict in Ukraine. The Baltic states and Hungary are reportedly unwilling to fully entrust that role to Germany and France.

The newspaper said London, Paris and Berlin want to take a central position in any talks on Ukraine. The three countries form the E3 group and make up the core of the so-called coalition of the willing supporting Kyiv. They have also worked on possible security guarantee options for Ukraine.

At the same time, some European politicians are pushing for a broader negotiating format. They argue that Poland, Italy and the Nordic countries should also be involved in consultations. The European Union, meanwhile, should be kept informed and later brought directly into the negotiating process.

The NYT also reported that Paris, Berlin and London are concerned Washington could move ahead with negotiations without giving them a meaningful role. European diplomats are therefore discussing an alternative format designed to secure their place at the negotiating table.

Earlier, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said meaningful dialogue between Moscow and the current generation of European politicians was unlikely. He added that the situation could change in the future as new leaders come to power.