European Council President António Costa said that an informal diplomatic channel of communication between the EU and the Kremlin remains open to discuss a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. According to him, Russia can use it if it is ready for serious negotiations.
Costa said this in an interview with Rapporteur. He noted that the channel could be used to discuss a ceasefire and the protection of energy facilities.
“The channel is open, and Russia knows that if and when it genuinely wants to talk about how to achieve a ceasefire, how to protect energy facilities, it can reach out.”
António Costa, President of the European Council
At the same time, the European Council president expressed doubt that Moscow is currently genuinely prepared for substantive dialogue.
“Have you seen any signs from Russia that they want to seriously engage with this?”
António Costa, President of the European Council
Contacts through Costa’s chief of staff
In June 2026, it became known that Costa’s chief of staff, Pedro Lourtie, had contacted representatives of Moscow twice over several weeks, establishing an informal communication channel with Russia.
As a result, the European Council president was criticized at the time by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. They opposed attempts to establish communication with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
Possible European representative in negotiations
Costa also commented on reports of the possible appointment of a special representative from Europe to participate in peace negotiations. According to him, the format of such representation will depend on the nature and substance of future discussions.
“We can use a special envoy; we can also use diplomatic and political channels.”
António Costa, President of the European Council
He stressed that the European Union does not seek to “disrupt or compete with” the peace efforts of United States President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in May that candidates for a European representative to take part in negotiations with Russia were being discussed. In September, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she would answer a call from Putin if such a conversation took place, but would not support the start of dialogue with Russia on the aggressor country’s terms.
