European Leaders Divided Over Putin Phone Call on Ukraine Peace Talks

A recent phone call between European leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin has exposed deep divisions within Europe over how to pursue an end to the war in Ukraine. While some officials view direct engagement with Moscow as a necessary step toward peace negotiations, others argue that such outreach risks legitimizing Putin's aggression and undermining Ukraine's position. The split underscores a broader strategic debate: whether diplomacy with the Kremlin should proceed now or only after Russia demonstrates a genuine commitment to de-escalation. The call, which was not welcomed by all European leaders, comes as Ukraine continues to face intense military pressure and as Western unity shows signs of strain. Observers note that the disagreement could complicate efforts to present a cohesive front in future talks. As the conflict grinds on, Europe's internal rifts may shape the trajectory of any negotiated settlement. The coming weeks will test whether leaders can reconcile their approaches or whether the divide will deepen.