EU opens back channel to Kremlin as bloc weighs Russia talks
What's new: Giorgia Meloni pushed for a single EU envoy, warning rival European tracks could muddy any Ukraine diplomacy.
The European Council has opened limited diplomatic contacts with the Kremlin in recent weeks, marking a cautious effort to restore a channel with Moscow as Europe debates how to engage Russia over the war in Ukraine. An EU official said the exchanges were brief and did not cover substance, but were meant to establish contact for any future scenario in which the bloc would need to defend its interests. The move comes as European leaders discuss whether to pursue direct talks with Russia on Ukraine and wider security issues after years of diplomatic isolation. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said at the G7 summit in France that the EU should appoint a single envoy, rather than let multiple groups or major powers lead separate contacts.