European countries fear being sidelined in Russia–Ukraine peace talks but can’t agree on how to secure a seat at the table, FT reports

European nations fear they may be excluded from Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations, but they cannot agree on how to secure a place at the table, the Financial Times reported. This concern has escalated since the United States reduced sanctions on Russia and accused Ukraine of failing to end the conflict. European countries worry that without their involvement, Washington and Moscow might reach a deal on issues affecting European interests, such as security guarantees for Russia and limits on NATO.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 27, sparking criticism from other European nations for not consulting their allies first. These uncoordinated attempts to contact Putin and the resulting backlash illustrate Europe's dilemma: determining the best way to present its interests to Putin while avoiding being sidelined.

While the United States still involves Europeans in the negotiations to some extent, Washington and Kyiv are considering the UK, France, and Germany as potential European representatives. However, this option could anger other European countries. The United States has also asked several NATO countries to moderate their statements about the Russian threat.

Russia dismisses the need for European involvement, and a Russian presidential aide suggested that the inclusion of Europeans might complicate the process.