Overview
- The UK publicly split from France and Italy, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper dismissing calls to re-engage Vladimir Putin directly.
- Cooper said there is no evidence Putin wants peace and argued that easing pressure now would be a mistake.
- She said current diplomatic work is centered on Ukraine with backing from the U.S. and European partners, including planning for security guarantees.
- Brussels is seeking to protect EU influence, with plans for a dedicated EU envoy to Ukraine to secure a role in any future talks.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signaled openness to European contacts with Russia, though the idea has not been welcomed in Moscow.