The EU establishes contacts to open communication channels with the Kremlin, announces an official from Antonio Costa's office.

The office of the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, has initiated diplomatic contacts with the Kremlin in recent weeks to open channels of communication, according to an EU official.

Although the discussions did not address substantive issues, the official emphasized the importance of establishing diplomatic channels with Russia to defend the interests of the European Union. European leaders are discussing the possibility of direct negotiations with Russia in the context of the war in Ukraine, but have not reached a consensus, with some countries expressing reluctance. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed the appointment of a single EU envoy for contacts with Russia, suggesting that this person should come from a medium-sized country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a more active involvement of Europe in peace negotiations. The ambassadors of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany have requested direct discussions between Moscow and Kiev, while G7 leaders, including Donald Trump, have emphasized the need for an agreement to end the conflict.