A member of the cabinet of the President of the European Council, António Costa, has initiated contacts with the Kremlin.

An official from the cabinet of the President of the European Council, António Costa, recently opened a communication channel with the Kremlin, a significant shift from the EU's policy of not having direct contacts with Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These contacts, described as brief and without substance, reflect the EU's interest in maintaining diplomatic channels with Russia. Although individual EU leaders have had direct meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, there is no concerted effort at the Union level. Discussions about the EU's involvement in peace negotiations have intensified after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on European leaders to play an active role in negotiations with Moscow. While some countries, such as Poland and the Baltic states, oppose direct discussions, French President Emmanuel Macron supports them. At a G7 conference, American President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. would resume its interest in Russia-Ukraine negotiations. The topic of Europe's role in these negotiations will be discussed at a meeting of EU leaders, but without expecting a clear decision regarding representation.