EU's 27 Nations Debate Russia Talks in Cyprus as Putin Envoy Plan Stalls

5 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 22

EU foreign affairs officials will meet in Cyprus next week to examine whether to open discussions with Russia on ending the Ukraine war, focusing first on possible agenda items and European red lines.
Three diplomats and two officials said the 27-nation bloc is not expected to choose a formal envoy at that meeting, though appointing one person or a small liaison group could still be raised.
The debate marks a notable shift because most political contact with Moscow was suspended after Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
European governments had long argued talks were premature because Putin was not serious about ending the war, making the mere consideration of negotiations a change in policy.

Is Europe stepping towards peace or into a diplomatic trap by considering direct talks with the Kremlin?

With Russian energy leverage gone, what could the EU offer Putin to secure a lasting peace for Ukraine?