Right now the US under Trump is leading the diplomatic efforts toward Russia. I think Europe and the Ukraine would have been better served with European leaders doing this.
Russia has reaffirmed Ukrainian territorial sovereignty in 1990s, after splitting along said boundaries, in return for concessions partly in their favour (Ukrainian nuclear disarmament), then invaded Ukraine. Twice. And that's ignoring tons of smaller violations - some of which are still pretty big.
What deal can you make with someone who just doesn't stick to the deals they agree to?
By leading you mean writing tweets with scary threats and then following usual strategy TACO.
Rolling red carpets for putin is actually undermining EU efforts to isolate Russia. Russian should be welcome only within their allies: Eritrea and North Korea.
Russia doesn't want to be involved in diplomatic efforts with Europe, it doesn't suit their purposes. With the US however it can drive a wedge, so "diplomacy" it is.
Trump is just rambling. His 24 hours to end the war was an election slogan.
Putin only understands the language of power. European countries don't want Ukraine to lose but can't commit themselves to the billions it would cost to win.
