Europe debates new Ukraine peace formats

Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on May 22 that he expects the United States to propose “possible formats and the schedule of meetings” for renewed diplomacy over Russia’s war in Ukraine. His remarks came as European governments debate whether to appoint a dedicated envoy for any future contacts with Moscow and, before that, what such talks would be meant to achieve. The discussion has widened beyond personnel to the purpose of diplomacy itself, according to officials cited by The New York Times. Zelenskiy, in his nightly address, said diplomacy should be “intensified” now. ### Why are European governments talking about a new format now? European officials are again weighing how to structure any negotiations with Russia because existing channels have not produced a political breakthrough, according to reports published on May 22. The New York Times reported that governments were considering whether to designate an envoy to handle contacts tied to peace efforts, but said officials first needed to settle what Europe would actually seek in talks with President Vladimir Putin’s government. (usnews.com) Three diplomats and two officials cited by the Times said foreign ministry officials from the European Union’s 27 countries were expected to assess possible discussions with Russia at a meeting in Cyprus next week. The report said they were not expected to make a final decision there on appointing an official envoy. ### What did Zelenskiy say about the U.S. role? (nytimes.com) Zelenskiy said on Friday, May 22, that he was waiting for “a response from the American side regarding possible formats and the schedule of meetings.” Reuters reported that he made the comment in his nightly video address after a virtual meeting with the leaders of Britain, France and Germany. (geopolitica.iiec.unam.mx) The Ukrainian president also said that “right now everything must be done to intensify diplomacy.” Reuters said he paired that appeal with the argument that battlefield trends were favorable to Ukraine, saying the situation was “not in the interests of the occupier.” ### What is the argument inside Europe actually about? (usnews.com) The central dispute is not only who would speak for Europe, but what mandate that person would carry. The New York Times reported that European officials and policymakers were divided over whether talks should aim at a broader settlement, a halt along current battle lines, or a narrower effort to manage the war’s costs and risks. (devdiscourse.com) That distinction matters because each option implies different red lines on territory, security guarantees and sanctions. The Times said officials were still trying to define those red lines before settling on a negotiating structure. ### Who is in the room, and who is not? Britain, France and Germany were part of Zelenskiy’s latest round of consultations, according to Reuters. (nytimes.com) The report did not say that Russia had accepted a new format or that formal negotiations were imminent; it said Zelenskiy expected U.S. proposals on how diplomacy would be conducted. The United States remains central because Zelenskiy’s request was directed at Washington, not Brussels. The European debate, as described by the Times, is therefore running in parallel with an anticipated American proposal rather than replacing it. That is an inference from the two reports’ timelines and descriptions of the participants. (usnews.com) ### What happens next? Next week’s Cyprus meeting of EU foreign ministry officials is expected to test whether European governments can narrow differences over the scope of any talks with Russia. The New York Times reported that the meeting would cover both the subject of possible discussions and the red lines Europe would seek to maintain. Zelenskiy said he is also awaiting a U.S. reply on formats and timing. (usnews.com) As of the May 22 Reuters report, he had not described a finalized process, only an expected American proposal and a push to revive diplomacy. (geopolitica.iiec.unam.mx)