Ukraine Urges European Union to Broker Russia Peace Talks as US Mediation Falters
Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, has called for "new dynamics" in discussions with Russia, advocating for "more active participation by the European side". This push comes as Western policy, primarily focused on isolating Moscow and supplying military aid to Kyiv, faces scrutiny.
EU Considers New Approach
The European Union is now considering re-engagement with Russia, with names such as former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi reportedly circulated as potential envoys. Draghi's spokesperson declined to comment on the speculation. Finnish President Alexander Stubb indicated openness to the role, provided Russia first agrees to a ceasefire, a condition currently unfulfilled amidst intensified Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Moscow, for its part, has accused the EU of prolonging the conflict through military support to Kyiv, simultaneously suggesting former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as an EU envoy. This proposal was swiftly rejected by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who stated Schröder, a known Russian ally and lobbyist, would be "sitting on both sides of the table".
Divergent EU Views on Engagement
The two-day meeting in Cyprus, commencing Wednesday, will allow EU foreign ministers to deliberate on a cohesive strategy. While some member states, including Sweden and Lithuania, argue for increased pressure on Russia, others, such as Italy, advocate for direct engagement. EU foreign policy chief Kallas has circulated preliminary discussion points, aiming to establish a unified EU position and clear "red lines" before any contact is initiated.
Ukrainian officials, meanwhile, are pressing for rapid progress. Yaroslav Smovzh of the Adastra think tank commented that any EU engagement with Moscow would be "doomed" without a strong negotiating position, suggesting that Russia needs to "be intimidated" given its "unconvincing" response to prior European actions. Kyiv has intensified its own pressure on Russia through deep strikes on Russian oil export facilities, which it terms "long-range sanctions", reflecting the lack of signals from Moscow indicating a desire to end the conflict.
