The European Union is exploring the possibility of establishing a direct communication channel with the Kremlin in order not to remain on the sidelines of a potential peace process regarding the war in Ukraine. This was reported by the Financial Times, citing a statement by European Council President António Costa.
Source: PRYAMYI
According to him, the EU has the potential to conduct an independent dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin. At the same time, frustration is growing in Brussels over the current negotiations, which are now coordinated by the United States.
Costa noted that the European side has received support from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to prepare its own “positive contribution” to the negotiation process.
He is currently holding consultations with the leaders of the 27 EU countries to determine a possible format of engagement with Russia. In Europe, there is a desire to avoid a situation in which peace agreements could be reached without the participation of the European Union.
At the same time, the EU acknowledges that there are currently no signals from Moscow indicating readiness for constructive dialogue. Moreover, there is no unified position within the bloc on who should represent the European Union in such contacts and what conditions should be offered to the Kremlin.