Published：Jun 17, 11:50Last updated：Jun 18, 23:21

EU Reaches Out to Russia for Ukraine Peace Talks

Jun. 17, 2026 11:50

European Council President Antonio Costa has initiated contact with the Kremlin to establish a back channel to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The goal is to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Summarized

9News

6Media

Jun. 18, 2026 22:44

European Council President Antonio Costa has initiated contact with the Kremlin to engage Russian President Vladimir Putin in discussions about ending the war in Ukraine. The effort was discussed during a European Council meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on June 18, 2026. Costa described the back channel as useful groundwork for potential negotiations. The move aims to explore diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflict.

Jun. 18, 2026 23:21

EU leaders, particularly from the Baltic states, were angered by EU Council President António Costa's undisclosed contacts with Russia. Some leaders learned of the calls only through media reports, sparking criticism and demands for transparency.

European Council President Antonio Costa has initiated backchannel communications with the Kremlin to discuss potential peace negotiations regarding the Ukraine war. The diplomatic outreach, confirmed by multiple sources, represents the EU's attempt to re-engage with Russia amid stalled U.S. mediation efforts and shifting geopolitical priorities. The move comes ahead of a crucial EU leaders' retreat in Brussels. Bloomberg+2

📞 Diplomatic Outreach

Costa personally established contact with Russian officials, including a phone call to the Kremlin on June 17. While initial discussions reportedly didn't yield substantive agreements, the communication marks the first high-level EU-Russia engagement since the conflict began. The effort aims to ensure Europe isn't sidelined in future peace processes. Bloomberg+2

🏛️ Internal EU Tensions

The undisclosed nature of Costa's outreach angered several EU leaders, particularly from the Baltic states. Some officials only learned of the contacts through media reports, leading to demands for greater transparency in diplomatic initiatives. The incident highlights divisions within the bloc regarding engagement with Moscow. RIA Novosti+1

🌍 Geopolitical Context

The EU's move coincides with shifting U.S. focus toward Iran, creating a perceived diplomatic vacuum in Ukraine negotiations. European officials view the outreach as necessary groundwork for potential future talks, though they acknowledge significant challenges remain in bridging positions between Russia and Ukraine. The Moscow Times+2

🤝 Coordination Challenges

Costa is working to align EU member states' positions before any formal negotiations with Russia can begin. The discussions focus on identifying key issues to address when conditions for talks emerge, reflecting the bloc's cautious approach to re-engagement while maintaining pressure on Moscow. RIA Novosti+2

KremlinAntonio CostaBaltic statesVladimir PutinEuropean Council