Europe is taking over talks with Russia

The leaders of Europe are “taking up and continuing the negotiation process” with Russia “that the U.S. has largely led,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s spokesman, Stefan Kornelius, stated Sunday, adding that negotiators will stay in “close coordination with the U.S.” and that the transition to more open dialogue with Russia is part of a “phase of reorientation.” Although he said European negotiators will “stay in close coordination with the U.S.,” this is an opportunity for European diplomats to strengthen European policy and interests and directly diminish American policy and interests on the Continent.