EC President opens the possibility of holding talks with Russia

Speaking at a meeting of the European Council in Brussels on Friday the President of the European Commission opened the possibility of holding negotiations with Russia. This comes after the President of the European Council attempted to establish a diplomatic channel with the Kremlin, and after the United States announced plans to reduce its military force in Europe.

Speaking at a meeting of the European Council in Brussels on Friday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told EU leaders that now is the right time to prepare a mandate for negotiations with Russia, claiming that the tide of war was in Ukraine's favour. This comes after US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth informed his fellow NATO defense ministers in Brussels on Thursday that the United States would be reducing its military presence in Europe.

It also comes hot on the heels of an attempt by the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, to establish a diplomatic channel with the Kremlin. Earlier in the week it was revealed that Costa had instructed his aid to seek out diplomatic channels with Moscow - a move that sparked a backlash in some member states. Here's what Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković had to say about the issue: "In my opinion this issue has had a disproportionate effect in the media. For me the fact that the foreign policy advisor to the President of the European Council made one or two phone calls is not at all problematic. I think it's completely normal in these circumstances, so I have nothing to add to that. That's why he is the diplomatic advisor, to talk to others."

However, in their comments on possible talks with Russia the prime ministers of Latvia and the Czech Republic, Andris Kulbergs and Andrej Babiš respectfully, exemplified the fracture within Europe.

"Diplomatic channels with Russia don't matter if Russia don't want to do the diplomacy. So, first there has to be clear signs that Russia is ready for that. Today, now, there's totally no signs for that. So, there is no point of having diplomatic channels if there is no reason for doing any talks," Kulbergs said.

"Yesterday was tough, we didn't get to bed until two o'clock. Unfortunately, the main discussion on Ukraine once again proved that Europe is incapable of even agreeing on whether to negotiate or who will negotiate," Babiš concluded.

Source: HRT