It is a question European leaders and their governments have increasingly been mulling, in both private discussions and public commentary. Given all the skin they have in the game, European leaders feel frustrated at being cut out of the negotiations. The right-wing nationalist suggested normalising relations to turn back on the tap that supplied Europe with Russian oil and gas. Agreeing a peace settlement and regaining access to cheap Russian energy was “common sense”, De Wever told Belgian newspaper L’Echo at the weekend. “In private European leaders agree with me, but no one dares to say it out loud.

Source: The Irish Times March 17, 2026 08:34 UTC