The European Union has made tentative steps to restore diplomatic contact with Russia, aiming to ensure Europe is not sidelined in potential talks to end the war in Ukraine. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The news emerged as Ukraine launched one of its biggest drone attacks since Russia's full-scale invasion more than four years ago, according to Russian officials. A major Moscow oil refinery was hit for a second time in a week, and commercial flights at Moscow airports were disrupted.
Against the backdrop of conflict, the EU has been quietly seeking to reopen communications with Moscow even as it doubles down on support for Kyiv. Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, has tried to cut out Europe and Kyiv and negotiate Ukraine's future with Washington.
An EU official said that in the past few weeks, brief contacts were made at diplomatic level to open communication channels, but nothing was discussed on substance. A second official confirmed the Russia outreach is taking place but declined to comment further.
"In any future scenario, the EU has specific interests that will need to be defended, therefore it is important to have established diplomatic channels with Russia. The EU is not a mediator. It supports Ukraine in its efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace," the first official added.
This development highlights the EU's attempt to engage with Russia while maintaining support for Ukraine.