European countries insist Russia must first end its war against Ukraine before discussions turn to the Kremlin’s concerns about European security. Multiple outlets report that the European position links any future negotiation framework—particularly “post-war security” considerations—to an initial ceasefire or cessation of fighting.
The reporting also highlights the diplomatic context in which this stance is received. Bloomberg and the Japan Times say the approach could strain coordination with the United States, which may be more willing to engage with Russia’s stated concerns earlier in the process. Overall, the outlets frame Europe’s position as a sequencing demand: ceasefire first, then broader security architecture talks.
