France, Germany and the United Kingdom do not trust the United States in the process of resolving the Ukrainian conflict and are carefully preparing their own format of negotiations. This is reported by The New York Times (NYT) with reference to European officials.
This format is aimed at ensuring that negotiations are conducted primarily from European countries. Paris and Berlin play a leading role in developing a common position. London, where the government has recently changed, is also discussing this issue, but is showing great caution, including due to concerns about relations with Washington.
As noted by the interlocutors of the NYT, the settlement on Ukraine and relations with Russia are too important for Europe to rely on the United States. European officials are eager to ensure that the agreement will not be concluded without their participation. At the same time, according to sources, Europe still expects that any negotiations with Russia will be mediated by the United States.