The circle of the President of the European Council, António Costa, has sounded out "brief contacts" on the diplomatic level with Russia with the objective of launching "communication channels" that allow the European Union to defend its "specific interests" in the face of hypothetical peace negotiations with Ukraine.
"In recent weeks, brief contacts have taken place at the diplomatic level to open communication channels, but nothing about the substance has been discussed," European sources have indicated, emphasizing that the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has called on Europe to assume "a more active role" in creating the necessary conditions to promote peace talks.
These contacts with Moscow aim to ensure that, in "any future scenario," the European Union is in a position to safeguard its own interests. Along these lines, Costa's team sees "it is important" to have previously established "diplomatic channels with Russia."
In parallel, António Costa has maintained "close" coordination with European leaders in recent weeks on "a possible rapprochement with Russia" and on the issues that should be addressed "when the opportune moment arrives."
In any case, the same sources emphasize that "the European Union is not a mediator" and that it supports Ukraine in its efforts "to achieve a just and lasting peace."