Story perspectives

EU Leaders Seek Ukraine Peace, Probe German Intermediary

6/18/2026

Summary

Costa Contacts Kremlin

In June 2026, EU President Antonio Costa of Portugal contacted Kremlin officials and, through his adviser, held calls with a Russian official close to President Vladimir Putin without substantive discussion.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged a EU envoy from a country and said President Vladimir Putin suggested Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as interlocutor.
An EU official said Union is not a mediator but backs Ukraine’s peace push, while members floated a special-envoy plan.

Summary

Costa Engages Russia

EU member states remain divided over whether to pursue negotiations with Russia on the Ukraine war.
Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa argued the EU will eventually need to address shared security concerns with Russia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the EU Council president’s contact initiative.
The details were reported by Bloomberg citing people familiar with the matter.

Summary

EU Backs Ceasefire

At a London meeting in early June, Germany, France and the United Kingdom backed cease-fire talks between Moscow and Kyiv.
German spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said Europe will resume the negotiation track previously led by the United States.
Delegates are debating which EU member should be the bloc’s sole representative in peace talks.
The EU summit on Thursday will put the representation question and Kremlin contacts on its agenda.

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Costa Contacts Kremlin

In June 2026, EU President Antonio Costa of Portugal contacted Kremlin officials and, through his adviser, held calls with a Russian official close to President Vladimir Putin without substantive discussion.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged a EU envoy from a country and said President Vladimir Putin suggested Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as interlocutor.
An EU official said Union is not a mediator but backs Ukraine’s peace push, while members floated a special-envoy plan.

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