The EU Responds to Statements About a Possible Resumption of Direct Contacts with the Kremlin: The Main Principle — Pursuit of Peace in Ukraine
The European Union has once again emphasized its position regarding the potential resumption of direct diplomatic contacts with the Russian Federation amid the war in Ukraine. In Brussels, on May 26, EU Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho stressed that the European Union intends to organize a comprehensive and inclusive negotiation process to find ways to end the conflict and establish long-term peace with the participation of all interested parties. In response to a question from "European Pravda," she expressed a firm conviction that the current priority is to bring all interested countries and organizations to the table to discuss ways to cease hostilities in Ukraine and to discover diplomatic mechanisms for achieving a stable and lasting truce. Pinho emphasized: "We are interested in having all key partners sit together, discuss the issue of a ceasefire, and propose concrete steps towards peace." At the same time, she did not deny the statement by her Slovak colleague, Natasha Pirc Musar, who reported alleged confirmation from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding work on restoring direct contacts with the Kremlin. According to Musar, she received this information from Ursula von der Leyen during a recent conversation. It is clear that this topic raises many questions within the international community and has sparked cautious interest, as any steps in this direction could significantly impact the subsequent diplomatic and security situation in the region. Reminder: In June 2024, Slovak President Natasha Pirc Musar visited Ukraine, where she notably expressed the view that Ukraine itself should decide, at a convenient time and on its own terms, when and how to start negotiations with Russia. She emphasized that Ukraine must maintain its autonomy in determining such steps and choose the appropriate moment to begin a dialogue. Statements about the possible return to direct contacts with the Kremlin have generated considerable resonance in international discussions. For the European community, which seeks paths to end the war and stabilize the situation, it is important to remain consistent in its stance — supporting dialogue and diplomacy to promote peace, while at the same time not easing sanctions or reducing strategic pressure on Russia, which many countries consider essential to achieving the ultimate goal — restoring peace and Ukraine’s sovereignty. Thus, questions remain open in Brussels regarding the next steps and the nature of a potential restart of contact with the Kremlin. For now, the European Union reaffirms its commitment to negotiations and finding pathways to peace, emphasizing that any decisions should respect Ukraine's interests and international law. In the context of war and regional instability, diplomatic prudence and balanced policies remain key priorities for European leaders and diplomats.