FT: Europe may offer Putin two scenarios — Donbas or no NATO

European politicians are increasingly considering direct European involvement in peace negotiations with Russia as an inevitable step. According to the Financial Times, a phone call between EU leaders and Vladimir Putin is possible in the near future, as the relevant communication channels have already been prepared.

Two options for Moscow

The publication's columnist, Gideon Rachman, notes that if negotiations between Europe and Putin begin, the Russian leader will likely be presented with two specific scenarios.

«Перший — припинити вогонь на нинішній лінії зіткнення в обмін на зобов’язання, що Україна ніколи не стане членом НАТО. Другий — Київ поступиться Москві рештою Донбасу, але натомість отримає можливість вступити в альянс» (The first is to cease fire on the current line of contact in exchange for a commitment that Ukraine will never become a member of NATO. The second is for Kyiv to cede the rest of Donbas to Moscow, but in return receive the opportunity to join the alliance), — writes Rachman.

Kyiv's reaction and Moscow's uncertainty

According to the expert, both of these options could be perceived as a betrayal in Ukraine. However, given the internal war fatigue, Volodymyr Zelenskyy will likely be able to persuade the public to accept any of the proposed scenarios.

Meanwhile, European politicians are much less confident that Putin himself will agree to such terms. Nevertheless, they consider it important to initiate direct dialogue with the Russian side.