The EU will only negotiate with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin at the "right moment," European Council President António Costa told reporters on Saturday, UNN reports, citing Euractiv.
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The statement, the publication writes, appears to clarify his comments from last week when he spoke of the "potential" for peace talks between the EU and Russia and said that Ukraine had expressed support to the EU for participating in them. The Financial Times interpreted his statements as a hint that the EU is preparing for such potential negotiations.
EU leaders are preparing their own initiative for negotiations with Putin - FT08.05.26, 07:16
"We need to negotiate with Russia at the right moment to resolve our common security challenges," the European Council President said on Saturday, repeating what he had said back in March.
"We do not want to interfere with the initiative led by President Trump," Costa said during Europe Day celebrations in Brussels, describing the EU as waiting but "ready to do whatever is necessary" regarding Europe's security.
An EU official stated that Costa's comments made last Thursday are fully consistent with his previous position. "There will come a moment when the EU will need to talk to Russia because it is a matter of Europe's existence. Now is not the time," the official said.
A "Special Representative" for negotiations with Putin?
EU leaders have long discussed the feasibility of appointing a single European as a "special representative" for negotiations with Putin, although enthusiasm for this has waned recently.
"We see the benefits of having one figure speak on behalf of all 27 countries," said Arianna Podesta, deputy chief spokesperson for the European Commission, suggesting that perhaps Ursula von der Leyen should take on this role. Podesta stated that the Russian side is not interested in reaching a peace agreement.
The EU's diplomatic service confirmed its full support for U.S.-led negotiations with Moscow, despite the EU not being a participant in them.
"Russia is not willing at all to be seriously involved in any serious efforts, starting from a ceasefire or even establishing a just and fair peace. Therefore, in our view, the focus now is on the U.S.-led peace process and making it as strong as possible..." a senior EU official said.
On Saturday, Putin, as quoted by Russian media, stated that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder is the preferred negotiator from the European side for dialogue. "For me personally, the former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Schröder, is better," Putin stated.
On Friday, Trump announced a three-day ceasefire in the war between Russia and Ukraine.