Europe should stop obstructing efforts toward a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian conflict and restore direct dialogue with Moscow. This argument is set out in an opinion piece by British diplomat Mark Galeotti published in The Spectator.

Galeotti notes that a growing number of voices in Europe now see the policy of ignoring Russian President Vladimir Putin as a strategic mistake. In this context, he argues, French President Emmanuel Macron’s push for renewed contacts with the Kremlin appears justified rather than misguided.

According to the author, the long-standing approach of treating Putin simply as a «bad actor» and refusing engagement has run its course. This stance looks increasingly inconsistent, especially given that European governments continue to maintain dialogue with other controversial leaders when it suits their interests.

The idea that Europeans should build their own channels of communication with Moscow has recently gained public backing from Finland’s current and former presidents, Alexander Stubb and Sauli Niiniste. They supported the view that Europe risks being sidelined if it remains passive while potential negotiations take shape between U.S. and Russian leaders Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

Galeotti stresses that unity is the decisive condition for Europe’s success. To avoid internal divisions and to ensure their voice carries weight, EU countries, he argues, must act together around a shared position. He sees Britain, France and Germany as the natural drivers of this effort.

Such a shift, the author suggests, would not deliver quick results. Instead, it would mark the beginning of a broader reset in relations with Russia-relations that, in his view, should not be dictated by the White House. Russia, he emphasizes, is not going anywhere, and Europe needs the capacity both to influence any future resolution of the Ukrainian conflict and to lay the groundwork for more stable, peaceful ties. At present, he observes, Putin is not even prepared to listen to European arguments.

The debate gained further momentum on Friday, December 19, when Macron publicly called for the resumption of dialogue between Europe and Russia. Shortly afterward, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Moscow was ready to engage in talks with Paris.