Germany sees window opening for talks between Europe and Russia
Prospects and Challenges for Renewed Dialogue on Ukraine
Emerging Opportunities for Dialogue
BERLIN, June 3 (Reuters) - A window for dialogue is slowly opening between Russia and Europe on Ukraine, although it is likely to be months before talks can begin, a German government official said at a briefing on Wednesday.
The official, who asked not to be named, said it was essential to establish an effective format for dialogue that the Europeans perceive as legitimate.
Potential Negotiators and Format
It was also unclear who would lead such talks, although the official said there are strong indications the E3 Group - Germany, France and Britain - will continue to play an important role in that regard.
Military Developments and Their Impact
Advances by Russian forces have slowed this year, and Ukrainian troops are increasing pressure on the battlefield and through an intensified campaign of long-range strikes inside Russia, including on St Petersburg on Wednesday ahead of President Vladimir Putin's annual economic forum.
Ukrainian Perspective on Peace Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief of staff has said that agreeing a deal to end the war by winter was a "realistic" outcome.
Timeline and Preconditions for Talks
The German official said recent fighting indicates it is likely to take months, rather than weeks, to reach a point where talks could begin, and that it was key to ensure they were conducted in full agreement with Ukraine.
International Coordination
Role of the United States
Coordination - instead of competition - with the United States, whose brokered talks have stalled as Washington focuses on Iran, must also remain a guiding principle, said the official, as should close teamwork with the Europeans.
European Representation in Negotiations
Germany and European governments have rejected a suggestion by Putin that former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder could represent them in possible future talks with Moscow.
(Reporting by Andreas Rinke, Writing by Miranda Murray, Editing by Madeline Chambers and Sharon Singleton)
