The European Union has created a discreet communication channel with Russia through telephone contacts between representatives of the European Council and the Kremlin.

The European Union has initiated a discreet communication channel with Moscow, according to a Politico report. In June, Pedro Lourtie, chief of staff to the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, had two phone conversations with Yuri Ushakov, an advisor to Vladimir Putin. The purpose of these contacts was not to negotiate specific issues, but to establish a line of communication for the future. A source stated that this channel would allow the EU to defend its interests through diplomatic dialogue with Russia.

The initiative has generated discontent among some EU member states, including from Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz, who believe that it is not the right time to resume dialogue with Russia. Criticism also came from the Prime Minister of Estonia, Kristen Michal, who emphasized that it is 'too early' for such contacts in the context of the war in Ukraine. Antonio Costa explained that the discussions did not address substantive issues, but were part of his institutional responsibilities.