UK Rejects France and Italy’s Push for Diplomatic Re-engagement with Putin

A significant diplomatic rift has emerged within Europe as the United Kingdom officially distanced itself from calls by France and Italy to reopen direct communication channels with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, speaking to Politico, warned that Moscow has shown "no credible interest in peace," countering suggestions from Paris and Rome that European allies should consider diplomatic re-engagement to end the conflict in Ukraine.

“I think we need evidence that Putin actually wants peace, and at the moment, I don’t see that,” Cooper stated.

EU Fears of Marginalization The disagreement comes amid growing anxiety in Brussels. European officials fear being sidelined if the United States, under the leadership of Donald Trump, takes the lead in future negotiations with the Kremlin. To safeguard its influence, the EU is considering the appointment of a "special envoy to Ukraine" to ensure a seat at any future negotiation table.

Cooper, however, maintained that the diplomatic "center of gravity" currently remains with Ukraine and its closest allies. She emphasized that while work is ongoing regarding security guarantees and peace plans, there is no proof that Putin is ready to talk.

UK Escalates Pressure Rather than easing tensions, the UK is doubling down on its support for Kyiv. Cooper called for an increase in both economic and military pressure on Russia. This stance is backed by recent financial commitments:

£200 million ($270 million) has been allocated by the UK to modernize vehicles, communication systems, and drone defenses.

Potential Troop Deployment: Defense Secretary John Healey confirmed these funds are part of preparations for the potential deployment of British troops as part of a multinational peacekeeping force, should a ceasefire be reached.

While UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have expressed intentions to explore future deployments, other European nations, including Germany and Spain, remain opposed to sending forces to the Ukrainian border.

As the war enters a critical phase, the divergence between London’s "pressure-first" approach and the "diplomacy-first" inclination of some EU capitals highlights the fragile state of Western unity ahead of potential shifts in US policy.