Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs proposed appointing a European peace envoy for Russia, but other EU leaders expressed caution due to Moscow's perceived lack of willingness to negotiate. Russia's foreign minister called the EU's peace proposal an "ultimatum."
The division among EU leaders on how to approach potential peace talks with Russia highlights the complex diplomatic challenges in ending the Ukraine war and underscores differing views on Moscow's readiness for genuine negotiation.
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has proposed that Europe should appoint a dedicated envoy to engage in peace talks with Russia to resolve the war in Ukraine, suggesting the move should occur when conditions are favorable for negotiation. However, this suggestion has met with varied reactions from other European leaders.
Several EU leaders expressed skepticism about the timing and efficacy of such talks, citing Russia's apparent lack of willingness to pursue peace. Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda stated that positive signals from Russia are necessary before initiating negotiations, questioning the purpose of contact without such indications. Similarly, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten conveyed that the Netherlands has not observed any serious interest from Russia in negotiating.
An EU official confirmed that brief diplomatic contacts had been made by the office of European Council President Antonio Costa to establish communication channels, but no substantive discussions on peace terms took place. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker supported maintaining open communication lines but remained doubtful about Russian President Putin's genuine intent to negotiate a peace solution.
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had earlier called for a single EU envoy to manage contacts with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, prior to meeting EU leaders, focused on the significance of the initial phase of EU membership talks for Kyiv.
Russia's foreign minister stated that Europe's latest proposal for peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv amounts to an "ultimatum."