EU Quietly Reopens Diplomatic Channels with Russia Amid Ukraine War

The European Union has quietly sought to reopen communication with Russia in a tentative bid to ensure the continent is not sidelined in potential future negotiations over the Ukraine war, EU officials disclosed on Thursday. The initiative involves brief diplomatic-level contacts in recent weeks aimed at establishing communication channels, though no substantive discussions have occurred. EU officials emphasized that the move is not about mediation but about protecting European interests in any eventual resolution, as the bloc continues its unwavering support for Ukraine's efforts toward a just and lasting peace.

The diplomatic outreach comes as active conflict continues. Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks since Russia's full-scale invasion more than four years ago, striking a major Moscow oil refinery for the second time in a week and disrupting commercial flights at Moscow airports. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been attempting to marginalize Europe from negotiations, seeking instead to negotiate Ukraine's future directly with Washington.

European Council President Antonio Costa has been coordinating closely with European leaders on potential engagement with Russia and the issues to be discussed when circumstances permit, officials said. Putin has publicly stated that Russia is open to talks with the EU, saying "we have never refused contacts with representatives of the European Union in any format" and inviting EU representatives to reach out or visit Moscow. However, he has repeatedly rejected the possibility of Europe playing any mediating role in the conflict.

The EU's diplomatic initiative coincides with significant developments in Ukraine's international position. Zelenskyy addressed EU leaders at their summer summit in Brussels, where Ukraine remained high on the agenda. On Monday, Ukraine officially launched membership negotiations with the EU, beginning a process requiring years of political reforms despite the ongoing Russian invasion. Additionally, at the G7 summit in France earlier in the week, European leaders secured Trump's commitment to offering unwavering support for Ukraine alongside other industrialized nations.