Europe Seeks Active Role in Ukraine Negotiations, Not Mediator Position

European officials have clarified that the continent seeks to be a full participant in Ukraine peace negotiations rather than an impartial mediator between the parties. French Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pascal Confavreux stated at a Paris news briefing that Europe's direct interests in the conflict mean it must be a negotiating party rather than a neutral intermediary. "It's not the mediators so much as the aim of mediation that matters. In essence, Europe can only be a negotiating party. For ultimately it is its interests that are at stake," Confavreux explained. He emphasized that Europe possesses various leverage points in negotiations and should continue applying pressure on Russia to commit to genuine peaceful resolution. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reinforced this position, noting that the bloc cannot serve as an unbiased mediator because it sides with Kyiv and has its own strategic interests to defend. Both officials indicated that intensified pressure on Russia, including potential new economic restrictions, would be used to encourage Moscow to engage in good-faith peace talks.