EU weighs direct Putin talks as frustration grows over U.S. peace push

“Our main goal from day one has been to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. That is why we support Ukraine, that is why we impose sanctions on Russia, and that is the same reason why we can participate in all peace negotiations to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” Costa said.

He also stressed that the EU remains in constant contact with its Ukrainian partners.

“Of course, at the right moment, we need to negotiate with Russia to resolve our common security issues. We do not want to oppose President Trump’s initiative and are waiting for the results, but at the same time, we are ready to do what we need to do, because we also need to address issues related to Ukraine’s security,” Costa said.

The Financial Times reported on May 8 that EU leaders are discussing the possibility of direct talks with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin amid growing frustration in European capitals with U.S. peace initiatives.

Some European leaders, including Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, have already expressed readiness to open a channel of communication with the Kremlin. But the EU’s 27 member states have not yet reached consensus on who could represent the bloc in such talks, when they should begin or what proposals should be presented to Putin, FT reported.

The Kremlin said on May 7 that trilateral talks in a U.S.-Ukraine-Russia format were “inappropriate” until Kyiv withdraws Ukrainian troops from the part of Donbas it controls.