“European leaders make statements that are in their interests and what are suitable for their agenda at the moment,” said Maka Botchorishvili, Georgian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

According to Botchorishvili, with their incorrect moves, European leaders managed to stay beyond the processes.

“European leaders make statements that are in their interests and that are suitable for their agenda at the current moment. A dialogue with Putin and talks are what the United States does to somehow end the war between Russia and Ukraine. We also see that regrettably, European leaders, with their incorrect political moves, managed to stay beyond these processes.

Now, everyone attempts to find their seats at the peace negotiations table, which will decide peace steps in Europe. In turn, it is also the responsibility of European leaders to determine how events will unfold. This concerns Europe, so it cannot be ignored. However, leaders must take responsibility for Europe,” she said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Europe will need to develop its own direct channel to engage Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, rather than relying solely on US-led efforts, as Washington pushes forward with peace negotiations.

Macron said “either a lasting peace is reached” in current negotiations, “or we find ways for Europeans to re-engage in a dialogue with Russia – in transparency and association with Ukraine.”