European Council President Antonio Costa said on Friday that the EU would participate in future peace talks aimed at ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and would jointly represent Europe with France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom.
“Europe must speak with one clear and united voice in all discussions that shape Ukraine’s future and the security of our continent. And this is ultimately a team effort,” Costa said after a meeting of EU leaders in Dublin.
European and Ukrainian leaders have long insisted on the format, while Russia has rejected the idea and the United States has seemed indifferent under the Trump administration.
The situation appears to have changed slightly, with U.S. envoy and president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner saying Thursday evening, “We can’t do this deal without the Europeans at the table,” adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin “is willing to try.”
Despite consensus on the desire for peace after nearly five years of war of Russian aggression, Europe lacks unanimity on who should represent the interests of the continent and its member states.
Russia and the United States requested the presence of a single representative, while several countries requested the presence of a diplomatic team.
The question of who will represent the EU itself remains unresolved.
The bloc’s foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, a staunch critic of Russia and its war, said Friday: “I am the one who represents Europe in foreign and security policy.” He added: “I know the Russians don’t want me, but, you know, do we have any say in who represents Russia?”
As frustration grows over Russian aggression on Europe’s doorstep, Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has put things into perspective. Pointing to the fact that Europe is more populous, richer and more militarily powerful than Russia, he said on Friday: “As Europe, we need to grow bigger balls.”
Gn world
