EU leaders prepare for potential direct dialogue with Vladimir Putin

European Union leaders are preparing for potential direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing frustration over the slow progress of US-led negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine. European Council President Antonio Costa stated he is consulting with the 27 EU member states on how to organize effective communication with Russia. Costa mentioned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during an EU summit in Cyprus last month, encouraged the bloc to be prepared to contribute to future negotiations. Despite these efforts, the EU maintains its long-standing policy that no decisions regarding Ukraine should be made without Ukrainian participation. Officials acknowledge that the Kremlin has not yet signaled any willingness to engage in dialogue with EU representatives. The EU intends to avoid interfering with the ongoing process led by US President Donald Trump, while simultaneously guarding against the risk of being sidelined in a potential peace agreement. The war in Ukraine has now persisted for over four years.