Ukraine Turns to Europe as U.S. Steps Back as Mediator in Peace Talks

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine met with the leaders of Britain, Germany and France in London on Sunday, as Europe considers taking a more active role in peace talks with Russia after more than a year of unsuccessful U.S. mediation.

U.S.-mediated talks have stalled as Moscow stuck to uncompromising territorial demands and Washington shifted its focus to the war with Iran. But Ukraine and its European allies say that Russia’s recent battlefield setbacks and mounting economic strains could create an opening to revive talks by making a peace settlement more appealing to the Kremlin — a prospect increasingly discussed in Russia.

In a letter to President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia last week, Mr. Zelensky offered to resume talks. He added that “Europe should be part of this process,” renewing his call for European leaders to step in after Washington’s retreat from negotiations.

European leaders have said they do not see themselves replacing Washington as mediators — a prospect Mr. Putin has also dismissed — but rather as additional participants in efforts to end a war whose outcome will shape Europe’s security for decades to come.