Costa’s Kremlin Outreach Exposes EU Split Over Russia Talks
The move prompted criticism from leaders who want more pressure on Moscow and raised questions over who should speak for Europe in any future talks.
- European Union leaders failed to agree on setting up a back-channel with Moscow during their two-day summit, leaving the bloc divided over protecting its interests in Ukraine's war.
- While debate has swirled in recent months regarding a potential mediator, the 27 EU countries have focused on concessions Russia must make to secure peace instead.
- Margus Tsahkna, foreign minister of Estonia, argued that "Europe must not assume the role of a neutral mediator" and insisted the bloc "buttress Ukraine's position to" force serious negotiations.
- The Kremlin said Friday it remains open to talks with Europe if the bloc abandons its desire to negotiate from a position of force, according to spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
- Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babia noted leaders failed to resolve their differences overnight, though Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin expressed trust in European Council President António Costa.
34 Articles
34 Articles
No of Paris and Berlin to the Portuguese: "Europei with Kiev, not mediators." Lavrov: prepare a war by 2030
EU Council President Costa has sought unarranged contact with Moscow. Now the EU is publicly arguing whether to talk to Putin at all – and who could do that. For the Kremlin, this is the first victory.
Irritation for the initiative of the President of the Council. Macron: ... We are not mediators, we are at the side of Ukraine...
EU divided over council president's outreach to Kremlin
European Council President Antonio Costa has tried to open diplomatic channels with Moscow without consulting EU leaders — sparking backlash across the bloc. Most EU governments, including Germany, reject talks with Russia at this stage, while Ukraine is not involved in Costa's reported outreach.
Eurooppa-neuvoston puheenjohtaja António Costa puolustaa yhteydenottoa Kremliin sillä, ettei EU voi olla ulkopuolisten viestinviejien varassa.
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