Britain, France and Germany are to represent Europe in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, the Financial Times reports. The paper cites sources, and reports differ on whether the decision has already been made.
According to Polish media, which rely on the Financial Times, the choice of the trio, the so-called E3 format, was reportedly made during a visit by US officials to Kyiv. The information comes from anonymous sources cited by the paper. As of publication, we have not found an official statement from the governments in London, Paris, Berlin or Kyiv confirming this.
Decision or option on the table
Other outlets summarising the FT’s reporting present the matter more cautiously. As Meduza reports, citing the FT, Washington and Kyiv regard the Britain–France–Germany trio as the most likely representatives of Europe in the upcoming talks. Diplomats quoted by the paper, however, believe this option could provoke objections from other European states.
Smaller countries fear that handing the talks to the E3 would push them out of a process that directly concerns their security. One of the FT’s sources reportedly said that before Europe chooses a representative, it must first secure a „seat at the table”.
Moscow: Europe is not needed
According to the FT, European concerns have grown after Washington eased sanctions on Russia and accused Kyiv of being unwilling to end the conflict. Europeans fear that before talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi, Washington and Moscow will reach agreements over their heads. This concerns matters important to Europe, including security guarantees for Russia and limits on NATO.
Moscow says European participation is not necessary. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov reportedly said on 28 October that Europe would not initially be invited to the table, and the question of its representation would be settled much later. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, asked about the FT reports, replied that Vladimir Putin is ready for dialogue with all sides.
Context
The E3 format is not new. In April 2025, Britain, France and Germany issued a joint statement after talks with the US and Ukraine in London, which the British Foreign Office published. The three capitals also cooperate on security guarantees for Kyiv. Soldiers from these countries are to rehearse a scenario for a mission in Ukraine in Poland in November, as we reported in our article on manoeuvres involving European soldiers.
The question of representation arose after Donald Trump said that it is time for someone else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine.
What it means for Poland
Poland is not part of the E3. If this model is adopted, Warsaw, as a NATO frontline state and one of the main transit hubs for aid to Ukraine, will have to seek influence over Europe’s position through these three capitals or EU forums. No source so far says how the other states would be consulted or when talks involving Europeans will begin.
