---
title: "Negotiations with Russia: Germany names conditions and timelines, but allies sound the alarm"
description: "Germany has allowed for the possibility of negotiations with Russia regarding Ukraine, but warned of difficulties. 🇪🇺🤝🇷🇺 Allies are sounding the alarm: they fear this could weaken sanctions. Which stars of European politics could become the negotiator? 🧐"
date: 2026-06-03T11:34:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/negotiations-with-russia-germany-names-conditions-and-timelines-but-allies-sound-the-alarm
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Negotiations with Russia: Germany names conditions and timelines, but allies sound the alarm

![Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Kevin McDonald, Emmanuel Macron, and Charles Michel discuss conditions for negotiations with Russia at the entrance of a building](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/03/germaniya-signaliziruet-o-vozmozhnosti-peregovorov-s-rf-po-ukraine/germaniya-signaliziruet-o-vozmozhnosti-peregovorov-s-rf-po-ukraine-1.webp)

An important signal has been issued from Berlin: Germany is considering the possibility of initiating a dialogue between Europe and Russia on the Ukrainian issue. However, officials emphasize that this process will be strictly regulated and will take time.

### Dialogue format and the role of the 'E3'

A German official stated that the space for negotiations between the EU and Russia is gradually opening up. The key condition for starting the process will be the development of a format that is recognized as 'effective and reliable' for the European Union. In this construct, a special role is assigned to the E3 group — Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. It is expected that these three countries will continue to play a leading role in resolving the issue.

Optimism in Berlin is restrained: experts note that it may take several months before a real shift in the situation occurs. This time will be needed to coordinate positions and create interaction mechanisms.

### Fissures within the EU and allies' concerns

The idea of appointing a special envoy for negotiations with Moscow does not find unanimous approval in Brussels. Politico reports that EU countries have not yet reached a common position. Some states support the initiative, citing the gradual winding down of the US intermediary role. Others, conversely, fear that such a step could weaken the sanctions pressure on the Kremlin.

Ukraine's closest allies are categorically opposed to the appointment of a negotiator. Kyiv and its partners argue that the Russian leadership is not demonstrating a readiness for a real end to the war. According to opponents of the idea, the appearance of a separate intermediary could negatively affect the EU's sanctions policy and create a false impression of Moscow's readiness for compromise.

### Who could become the negotiator?

Names of potential candidates for the role of special envoy have already been named in European political circles. Among them are:

    - President of the European Council, António Costa;

    - President of Finland, Alexander Stubb;

    - Former ECB President, Mario Draghi;

    - Former President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö;

    - Former European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker.

The name of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel also appeared on the list. However, the former leader of Germany has already made it clear that she does not see herself in this role, declining to participate in the negotiations.