European allies push Moscow for talks as Crimea fuel crisis deepens
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Ambassadors from the UK, France and Germany – the so-called E3 group – have urged Russia to enter direct negotiations with Kyiv during a rare meeting at the Russian foreign ministry in Moscow. The talks follow a London summit between the three European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where renewed diplomatic efforts were discussed.
In a joint statement, the E3 said they conveyed support for Zelenskyy’s call for direct Russia–Ukraine talks. Moscow, however, accused the ambassadors of pursuing a “destructive” policy and insisted Western states were prolonging the war.
Diplomatic contacts between European capitals and Moscow have remained limited since the invasion, with Russia often preferring direct engagement with the United States rather than European intermediaries.
Meanwhile, the conflict on the ground continues to escalate. Ukrainian forces have intensified strikes on Russian supply routes leading into occupied Crimea, severely disrupting logistics and fuel deliveries. Ukrainian drone attacks have damaged key bridges and transport corridors, with officials reporting a significant drop in military traffic along major routes.
Fuel shortages have now emerged across Crimea, with stations running dry and long queues reported in several cities after repeated strikes on supply lines. Russian-installed authorities have acknowledged disruptions to deliveries.
Elsewhere, both sides reported casualties in cross-border strikes, while Ukraine says it has increased grain exports despite continued attacks on its rail infrastructure.
