The EU will only talk to Vladimir Putin at the “right moment”, European Council President António Costa told reporters on Saturday.
The remarks appeared to clarify comments he made last week when he said there was “potential” for EU-Russia peace talks and that Ukraine had given the EU its support to engage in them. Financial Times framed his remarks suggesting that the EU was preparing for such possible talks.
“We need at the right moment to have talks with Russia to address our common security issues,” the EU president said on Saturday. repeating something he said as early as March.
“We don’t want to upset the initiative led by President Trump,” Costa said at a Europe Day celebration in Brussels, describing the EU as waiting but “ready to do what we need to do” regarding Europe’s security.
An EU official said Costa’s comments last Thursday were fully consistent with his previous line. “There will be a moment when the EU will have to talk to Russia because it is an existential issue for Europe. Now is not the time,” the official said.
‘Special representative’ to negotiate with Putin?
EU leaders have long debated the merits of appointing a single European as a ‘special representative’ to negotiate with Putin – although enthusiasm for the idea it was cold late.
“We can see the merit of having a single figure speaking on behalf of the 27,” said Arianna Podestà, the European Commission’s deputy spokeswoman, suggesting perhaps Ursula von der Leyen should take on that role. Podestà said there was no interest from the Russian side in reaching a peace agreement.
The EU’s diplomatic service has reiterated its full support for the US-led talks with Moscow – despite the EU having no role in them.
“There is absolutely no willingness from Russia to seriously engage in any serious effort, starting with ceasefires, or even having a fair and just peace. So our view is that the focus now is on the US-led peace process and making sure that it becomes as robust … as possible,” said a senior EU official.
On Friday, Trump said there would be a three-day ceasefire in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Magnus Lund Nielsen contributed reporting
(bms)
