Bulgaria's new Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated that the European Union must take a leading role in negotiations with Russia to end the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as member states discuss the issue of direct engagement with the Kremlin, UNN reports, citing Bloomberg.
Rumen Radev stated that the EU is already late in taking the initiative and called for "real changes" in the bloc's "common policy" regarding the war in Ukraine.
"I would be glad to see Europe finally agree to start negotiations with Russia; not just start – Europe should have been the leader in these negotiations," the Prime Minister told reporters in Paris on Wednesday. "This is an important mission for Europe."
Context
U.S.-led peace talks have reached a stalemate as the war in Iran has diverted President Donald Trump's attention, while Moscow continues to insist on its maximalist demands, including establishing full control over the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.
Europe is seeking to strengthen its role in the negotiations as it increasingly bears the burden of expenses for supporting Ukraine.
"Personally, I am concerned by Europe's ambition to achieve victory over the world's largest nuclear power without having the capability to intercept and counter Russia's modern hypersonic weapons," Radev told reporters before a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. "This is a serious risk."
In February, Macron's top diplomat visited Moscow for a series of face-to-face meetings with Russian officials.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated earlier this month that it is time to begin negotiations with Russia, although he added that he does not know when this might happen.
Meanwhile, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna warned against engaging with the Kremlin at a time when Ukraine holds the initiative on the battlefield. Russia stated this week the possibility of escalating attacks on Kyiv and urged foreign citizens to leave the city.