The European Council has initiated limited diplomatic contact with the Kremlin to establish communication channels, an EU official confirmed. The move comes as Ukraine launches major drone attacks and ahead of an EU summit where Ukraine's potential membership will be discussed.
The EU's initiative to establish communication channels with the Kremlin signals a strategic effort to ensure its voice is heard in any potential resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war, preventing it from being sidelined in critical geopolitical discussions.
The European Union has quietly sought to reopen communication with Russia, initiating limited diplomatic contact with the Kremlin to establish channels. An EU official confirmed these were brief contacts focused on opening lines of communication rather than discussing substantive issues, emphasizing the need to defend EU interests in any future scenario.
The move comes as Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russia in over four years, hitting a major oil refinery. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously stated that Europe cannot play a mediation role but has not ruled out speaking to the EU, noting that Russia has never refused contacts.
European Council President Antonio Costa has been coordinating with European leaders on potential engagement with Russia. This outreach occurs as EU leaders prepare for a summit where Ukraine's potential membership and closer ties will be high on the agenda. Ukraine officially opened negotiations to join the EU earlier in the week.