European Council chief contacted Kremlin over Ukraine: RBC-Ukraine reveals outcome
Photo: António Costa, President of the European Council (Getty Images)
Some European representatives are currently trying to establish contact with the Kremlin to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into negotiations. Among them is European Council President António Costa, an informed government source told RBC-Ukraine.
However, according to the interlocutor, these contacts with the Kremlin produced no results.
"Putin despises Europe and does not want to negotiate with Europe," the source said.
The interlocutor explained that Putin may allow European representatives to join "some secondary consultations," but not as a full-fledged party at the negotiating table.
"Therefore, it is still a separate task to ensure Europe remains a real participant in the negotiations," the source added.
Attempt to contact the Kremlin
Bloomberg previously reported, citing sources, that the chief adviser to the President of the European Council António Costa held several conversations with a senior Russian official close to Putin.
Costa was attempting to engage the Kremlin leader in talks aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
In recent months, discussions have been ongoing in Europe about the possibility of restoring contacts with Russia. In particular, European countries want to take part in peace negotiations on Ukraine.
Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Europe could be represented in negotiations by the E3 format — France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
