European Union opens direct diplomatic channel to Russia on Ukraine
New: Brussels rejects a mediator role, while the direct-contact plan exposes divisions among EU leaders.
The European Union has begun building a direct diplomatic communication channel with Russia so it can deliver messages without relying on the interpretation of others amid the war in Ukraine. European Council President Antonio Costa said the initiative is being handled through his office after the European Council meeting in Brussels on 19 June. According to Costa, EU rules allow him to take that step to establish contact with Moscow. He stressed, however, that the bloc does not want to act as a mediator in talks on Ukraine. A Politico report cited by Republika said the plan for negotiations with Moscow split EU member-state leaders at the 18-19 June summit in Brussels and was even discussed in a closed meeting without staff or communication devices.