Brussels approaches Kremlin over potential Ukraine talks

Live updates

1. 33d ago

   EU leaders divided over Moscow back-channel as Belgium pushes for normalization

   European Union leaders cannot agree on establishing a back-channel with Moscow to protect bloc interests during potential peace talks. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has called for the normalization of relations and EU negotiations to end the war. The Kremlin has expressed doubt regarding Europe's actual desire to engage.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • EU leaders have been unable to agree on setting up a back-channel with Moscow.
   • Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever called for the normalization of relations with Russia.
   • The Kremlin cast doubt on Europe's willingness to engage in talks to end the war.
   • Splits are appearing in the European approach to Russian aggression.
   confidence 70%
2. 37d ago

   EU leaders split over Kremlin outreach as Russia signals readiness for talks

   European Council President Antonio Costa directed his office to contact the Kremlin to explore communication channels. The move sparked debate among EU leaders during a Brussels summit. Russia has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue.

   What's confirmed:

   • European Council President Antonio Costa directed his office to reach out to the Kremlin.
   • The outreach caused divisions and debate among EU leaders during a summit in Brussels.
   • Costa stated he does not intend to mediate or create a negotiating track parallel to the U.S. process.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The U.S.-led negotiating track is making little progress.
   confidence 90%
3. 40d ago

   EU Opens Limited Diplomatic Channels With Kremlin Over Ukraine War

   European Council President Antonio Costa's office established brief diplomatic contacts with Moscow to open communication channels. This outreach is intended to explore the EU's role in future peace talks as U.S. diplomacy slows. The move caused clashes among EU leaders during a summit over the timing and method of negotiations.

   What's confirmed:

   • The office of European Council President Antonio Costa has had brief diplomatic contacts with the Kremlin.
   • The EU is exploring its potential involvement in future Ukraine peace talks.
   • EU leaders disagreed during a summit over how and when to negotiate with Russia.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • A top EU official set up a tentative back-channel with Russia.
   • The outreach signals a shift in Europe's diplomatic approach.
   confidence 95%
4. 41d ago

   EU Council Opens Communication Channels With Kremlin Over Ukraine

   European Council President Antonio Costa's office has contacted Moscow to discuss potential peace talks in Ukraine. These undisclosed communications sparked a debate among EU leaders during a summit on June 18-19. Member states remain divided over the balance between diplomacy and battlefield support.

   What's confirmed:

   • European Council President Antonio Costa contacted the Kremlin to discuss potential Ukraine peace talks.
   • EU leaders debated the contact between Brussels and the Kremlin during a summit on June 18-19.
   • The discussions regarding Kremlin contact occurred while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in the meeting room.
   • The EU sought to reopen communication with Russia to avoid being sidelined in talks to end the war in Ukraine.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • European Council President Charles Michel initiated contact with the Kremlin.
   • Some EU leaders are furious that they were not informed of the calls.
   confidence 90%