EU to Open Direct Diplomatic Channel with Russia, but Not as Ukraine Mediator

The European Union is establishing a direct diplomatic communication channel with Russia, aiming to convey and receive messages without relying on intermediaries. European Council President Antonio Costa announced the initiative, stating the bloc needs its own direct line to Moscow to avoid depending on others' interpretations of Russia's positions.

"We must be able to convey our own messages directly to Russia," Costa said at a press conference following a European Council meeting in Brussels. He asserted that EU regulations empower him to take the initiative for such diplomatic contact. The goal is to understand Russia's stance more accurately and to communicate the EU's views without distortion.

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What I am doing through my office is building a diplomatic channel, because we cannot just depend on others to interpret Russian messages. We must be able to convey our own messages directly to Russia.

However, Costa was firm that opening this communication channel does not mean the EU will act as a mediator in negotiations concerning the war in Ukraine. "The European Union does not want to be a mediator in negotiations about Ukraine," he stated.

This move comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with EU-Moscow relations at a low point due to the war. The establishment of a direct communication line is seen as an effort to keep diplomatic channels open despite the prevailing tensions. The plan was not unanimously accepted within the EU, reportedly dividing member state leaders, with discussions held in closed sessions due to the sensitivity of the issue.

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The European Union does not want to be a mediator in negotiations about Ukraine.