EU prepares for direct talks with Moscow as U.S. peace efforts stall — FT
Antonio Costa (Photo: REUTERS/Yves Herman)
EU leaders are discussing the possibility of direct talks
with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, as they “grow frustrated” with U.S.
President Donald Trump’s clumsy attempts to negotiate an end to the
Russo–Ukrainian war, the Financial Times reported
on May 7.
European Council President Antonio Costa said the EU has the "potential" to hold such talks and has the support of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“I’m talking with the [EU’s] 27 national leaders to see the best way to organize ourselves and to identify what we need effectively to discuss with Russia when it comes the right moment to do this,” he said.
At the recent EU summit in Cyprus, Zelenskyy urged Europeans to "be ready to make a constructive contribution to talks." Costa added that Moscow has so far shown no sign of willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.
Zelenskyy’s confirmed to FT that the issue has been discussed with Costa. Ukrainian officials have stressed the need for better coordination at the EU level and suggested the possibility of appointing a single representative to negotiate with Russia on behalf of the bloc to increase pressure on the Kremlin.
Some European leaders, including Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, have expressed willingness to open a channel to the Kremlin. But among the 27 EU countries there is no consensus yet on who would represent the bloc, when talks should begin or what proposals should be put to Putin, the FT reported.
The Kremlin previously said it would re-engage in trilateral
Ukraine–U.S.–Russia talks only after Kyiv withdraws its troops from Donetsk
Oblast.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
