--- title: "Europe against the 'conspiracy' of Washington and Moscow: E3 forms an independent plan for Ukraine" description: "🇪🇺 France, Germany, and the UK are creating their own negotiation format for Ukraine (E3), fearing that the US and Russia may strike a deal without European participation. 🇬🇧 London is acting cautiously to avoid damaging relations with Donald Trump. 🇷🇺 Moscow is intensifying its rhetoric ahead of elections, refusing negotiations. 🇵🇱 Poland and the Baltic states do not fully trust the \"Troika\" to protect their interests. #Ukraine #Europe #Politics #Diplomacy" date: 2026-08-15T10:04:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/evropa-protiv-sgovora-vashingtona-i-moskvy-e3-formiruet-nezavisimyy-pan-en tags: [ukraine-war, europe, diplomacy, germany, france, ukraine-peace, trump] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Europe against the 'conspiracy' of Washington and Moscow: E3 forms an independent plan for Ukraine ![Walter Elias, Emmanuel Macron, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy discuss E3's independent plan for Ukraine](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/15/evropa-protiv-sgovora-vashingtona-i-moskvy-e3-formiruet-nezavisimyy-pan/evropa-protiv-sgovora-vashingtona-i-moskvy-e3-formiruet-nezavisimyy-pan-1.webp) ## 🎯 Key Points - The European Troika (E3) is creating an independent negotiation format, fearing a deal between the US and Russia. - The UK is restraining its initiative due to concerns about relations with Donald Trump. - The Baltic states and Hungary express distrust in the ability of France and Germany to protect their interests. - Russia is intensifying pro-war rhetoric ahead of elections, rejecting negotiations. Amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and fears of a potential US withdrawal from the European agenda, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have joined forces to create their own format for negotiations on resolving the conflict in Ukraine. According to sources in diplomatic circles, the three countries are forming a so-called "coalition of the willing" (E3), striving to guarantee that the security of the continent will not be decided behind their backs in bilateral deals between Washington and Moscow. ### Fear of a "deal of the century" without Europe According to data obtained from five European officials, the initiative is dictated by deep concern that the United States may leave the European space or conclude key agreements with Russia, excluding European allies from the process. France and Germany are playing a leading role in shaping this common position, striving to ensure Europe has a seat at the negotiating table. Diplomats emphasize that relations with Russia and the outcome of the war in Ukraine are directly relevant to the security of the Old World; therefore, allowing a scenario where Washington and Moscow agree without European participation is unacceptable. ### Disagreements within the "Troika" and the role of London Despite the joint efforts, there are differences in approaches within the E3 format. The United Kingdom is acting more cautiously than its continental partners. According to diplomats, London fears that too active an independent initiative could worsen relations with US President Donald Trump. At the same time, Paris and Berlin insist on the need to guarantee that any future agreements will take into account the interests of all of Europe, not just the two superpowers. ### Expansion of the coalition and partners' doubts To implement their plans, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom intend to involve Poland, Italy, and the Nordic countries in consultations. It is also assumed that the European Union will be informed and involved in the process. However, as sources note, not all states are ready to blindly trust the "Troika." In particular, the Baltic states and Hungary express skepticism regarding the ability of France and Germany to fully represent their interests, fearing that Western partners may make compromises unacceptable to countries bordering Russia. ### Moscow's reaction and Kyiv's position At present, there are few signs that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready for serious negotiations. In Russia, ahead of the State Duma elections, pro-war rhetoric is intensifying, with claims of readiness to end the war only on the Kremlin's terms. Experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that in this way the Russian authorities are trying to rally society around the war and justify the refusal of diplomacy. European officials expect that if a diplomatic process does begin, the leading role in negotiations with Moscow will likely be played by the US, which only heightens anxiety in the E3. ### Official comments and status of the initiative The UK Foreign Office stated that the current discussion remains speculative. An EU representative emphasized that various diplomatic efforts are complementary, not competing. Nevertheless, work on options for military and security guarantees for Ukraine after a possible peace agreement is already underway. This indicates that European leaders are preparing for scenarios where they will have to ensure stability in the region independently. ## ❓ FAQ ### Q: What is the E3 format? **A:** E3 is a format of cooperation between France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, which in this context acts as the core of a "coalition of the willing" to ensure Europe's interests in negotiations on Ukraine. ### Q: Why is the UK acting cautiously? **A:** London fears that too active independent diplomacy could worsen relations with US President Donald Trump. ### Q: How is Russia reacting to European initiatives? **A:** Russia is intensifying pro-war rhetoric and stating its readiness to negotiate only on its own terms, which experts link to the pre-election campaign in the State Duma.