Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
The European Union has initiated a tentative effort to reconnect with Moscow, aiming to ensure its inclusion in future negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine. This outreach, reported on Thursday, comes amidst ongoing military support for Kyiv by the EU, while the conflict continues to escalate on the ground.
Recent statements from Russian officials indicate that Ukraine has conducted one of its most significant drone attacks since the commencement of Russia’s full-scale invasion. This attack targeted a major oil refinery near Moscow, marking the second such incident within a week and causing disruptions to commercial flights at Moscow’s airports.
EU officials have indicated that the engagement with Russia has so far been limited, with no substantial discussions taking place. According to an EU official privy to the situation, there have been brief diplomatic contacts aimed at reopening communication channels, but these discussions have not yet expanded into more detailed negotiations.
Importance of Maintaining Diplomatic Channels
The EU reportedly considers it crucial to maintain diplomatic channels with Russia to safeguard its own interests in any potential future scenarios regarding the conflict. One EU official emphasised that while the organisation supports Ukraine in its pursuit of a just peace, it does not position itself as a mediator in the conflict.
Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s insistence that Europe should not play a mediating role, he also noted that Russia has not dismissed the possibility of engaging with the EU. Earlier this month, Putin remarked that Russia has never turned away from contacts with EU representatives and reiterated that the avenue for discussions remains open.
In the context of these developments, European Council President Antonio Costa is reportedly coordinating closely with various European leaders to discuss potential engagements with Russia and identify key issues for future discussions when the timing is deemed appropriate.
Ongoing Support for Ukraine Amid EU’s Diplomatic Efforts
As EU leaders convened in Brussels for their summer summit, the situation in Ukraine was anticipated to be a focal point of the agenda. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to address the 27 EU leaders, emphasizing the importance of closer ties between Kyiv and the European bloc.
On the preceding Monday, Ukraine officially commenced negotiations to join the EU, marking the inception of a lengthy process requiring substantial political reforms, even as the nation continues to confront the ongoing Russian invasion.
This diplomatic outreach coincides with the recent meeting of the Group of Seven nations in Evian-Les-Bains, where European leaders, alongside former President Donald Trump, reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy reported that significant pledges of assistance were achieved during this summit, including contributions from the United States.
In summary, the EU’s cautious approach towards Russia is occurring concurrently with its renewed support for Ukraine as the conflict persists. Efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties with Moscow move forward alongside Ukraine’s ambitions for closer European integration and broader diplomatic initiatives involving Western leaders.
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