Emmanuel Macron is set to become Europe’s point man to hold talks with Vladimir Putin over peace in Ukraine, The Telegraph can reveal.

Some members of the “coalition of the willing” have pushed for a European leader to take the helm on engaging Russia as part of efforts to support Kyiv.

The French president and Sir Keir Starmer, who lead the group of nations planning to secure any ceasefire deal in Ukraine, have been singled out as the most likely interlocutors with Moscow.

But The Telegraph understands Sir Keir has no plans to hold talks with Putin as part of the UK’s efforts to support Ukraine’s defence.

An Élysée Palace source said Mr Macron was willing to take up the role “when the time is right”.