Story perspectives

EU Readies Talks with Putin, Awaiting Ukraine Troop Pullout

5/8/2026

Summary

Costa Plans Talks

European Council President António Costa said the EU sees talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
May 8, 2026, António Costa said he is consulting the 27 EU leaders on a negotiation plan.
António Costa noted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy backs EU readiness for talks and the EU will not interfere with President Donald Trump’s diplomacy.
Kremlin aide Yurii Ushakov called trilateral talks inappropriate until Ukraine withdraws troops from the Donbas.

Summary

Putin Offers Talks

Vladimir Putin says he is ready to negotiate with everyone, including Europeans.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says Russia will not start talks, expects Europeans to move first after EU cut ties in 2022, and blames Brussels and capitals for ending relations.
Moscow calls claims that Putin is a war criminal ‘nonsense,’ brands Europe ‘warmongers,’ and says leaders are frustrated with President Donald Trump’s Ukraine strategy, prompting a shift toward talks.

Summary

EU Seeks Talks

The EU discussed possible talks with President Vladimir Putin at a European University Institute event in Florence.
EU officials warned that without a negotiating channel the bloc could be pushed to the margins of peace settlement.
A Ukrainian official said the EU needs a leader who can speak for all 27 members to pressure Russia.
EU leaders stressed the need for a unified stance, opposing talks that exclude Kyiv.

1 of 3

Costa Plans Talks

European Council President António Costa said the EU sees talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
May 8, 2026, António Costa said he is consulting the 27 EU leaders on a negotiation plan.
António Costa noted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy backs EU readiness for talks and the EU will not interfere with President Donald Trump’s diplomacy.
Kremlin aide Yurii Ushakov called trilateral talks inappropriate until Ukraine withdraws troops from the Donbas.

1 / 3