A significant shift has occurred in Europe's diplomatic landscape. European Council President António Costa has taken an unprecedented step by requesting the Kremlin to open a communication channel. This is the first such action by the European Union since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Abandoning Isolation
For the past two years, Brussels has adhered to a hard line, effectively renouncing direct negotiations with Moscow. However, the contacts established by Costa indicate a revision of this strategy. According to an anonymous EU official, dialogue was re-established over the past few weeks. The conversations were brief and, as noted, did not address the "essence" of the current conflict.
An official EU spokesperson emphasized the necessity of such steps: "Therefore, it is important to establish diplomatic channels with Russia." The logic behind Brussels' actions is clear: the EU has "specific interests that need to be protected" in the context of any future negotiations. At the same time, the official categorically stated that the EU "is not a mediator" between Ukraine and Russia.
Coordination with Leaders
The decision to make contact was not spontaneous. António Costa "closely coordinated with European leaders regarding possible interaction with Russia and the issues to be discussed when the time is right." Earlier, in early June, a trio of ambassadors from France, the UK, and Germany met with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister in Moscow, but this was not a coordinated step by the entire community.
Despite the activity, the European Council officially declined to comment on the information regarding contacts with the Kremlin. Representatives of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French authorities also remained silent.
Cyprus Negotiations and Kyiv's Reaction
The debate over Europe's participation in the peace process intensified following a meeting in Cyprus last month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on EU leaders to join the negotiation process between Kyiv and Moscow more actively. It is against this backdrop that the resumption of dialogue between Brussels and Moscow acquires special resonance.
Bloomberg was the first to report on the contacts. According to the publication, the chief advisor to the President of the European Council held two phone calls with a high-ranking Russian official in Vladimir Putin's inner circle. Details and results of these contacts subsequently became known to RBC-Ukraine.