EU leaders discuss how the bloc could engage Russia in future talks on ending the war in Ukraine
The Facts
- European Council President António Costa said EU leaders are preparing for possible future negotiations with Russia related to ending the war in Ukraine.
- Costa said he is consulting leaders of all 27 EU member states to determine how the bloc should organize itself and what it would need to discuss with Russia when the time is right.
- Costa said he believes the EU has the potential to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Costa said the EU has backing from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for such dialogue, and he cited a recent EU leaders' summit in Cyprus where Zelenskyy urged Europeans to be ready to make a positive contribution to negotiations.
- Reports citing the Financial Times say the EU discussions are taking place as European capitals become increasingly dissatisfied with the pace or results of U.S.-led efforts under President Donald Trump to end the war.
- Costa said the EU does not want to disrupt the negotiation process currently being led by the United States.
- Costa said there are not yet signs that Moscow is ready to engage effectively in serious discussions with the EU, leaving the timing and viability of any direct EU-Russia talks unresolved.
- After the Financial Times report, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Putin was ready to negotiate with Europeans but that Russia would not initiate contacts and expected Europe to make the first move.
How left and right are reading this
- Both agree
- EU leaders are preparing a possible role in future Russia talks while trying not to undercut the existing U.S.-led track, on the premise that Europe may need to be organized and ready if negotiations broaden.
- They split on
- Less a disagreement than a question of emphasis: ensuring Ukraine and European governments help shape any eventual settlement, versus preserving flexibility and avoiding a premature EU move before Moscow shows readiness.
Context
What exactly is the EU preparing for?
Costa said he is talking with the leaders of the EU's 27 member states about how the bloc should organize itself and what issues it would need to discuss with Russia if a suitable moment for negotiations arises ТСН.ua,Українська …,Izvestia.ru.
Why is this becoming an issue now?
Multiple reports citing the Financial Times say European capitals are increasingly frustrated by the limited progress of U.S.-led efforts under President Donald Trump to end the war, prompting discussion of how Europe might contribute directly if negotiations advance Українська …,unian,Європейська….
Is Russia signaling that it wants talks with the EU now?
The Kremlin said Putin is ready to talk with Europeans, but Peskov said Russia would not make the first move and expected Europe to initiate contact; at the same time, Costa said he sees no clear sign that Moscow is ready for effective, serious discussions with the EU U.S. News & World R…,Deutsche Welle,ThePrint.
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