Europe’s Russia dilemma: Why EU is opening a channel with Moscow despite Ukraine war

 European Council President Antonio Costa defended his office’s direct diplomatic outreach to Russia, emphasizing the need for communication channels despite the absence of immediate peace talks over Ukraine. While some EU leaders expressed concerns about uncoordinated efforts and maintaining pressure on Moscow, others, like Spain and Ireland, backed the initiative as a necessary diplomatic tool to convey the bloc’s messages directly to Russia. European Council President Antonio Costa defended his office’s direct diplomatic outreach to Russia, emphasizing the need for communication channels despite the absence of immediate peace talks over Ukraine. While some EU leaders expressed concerns about uncoordinated efforts and maintaining pressure on Moscow, others, like Spain and Ireland, backed the initiative as a necessary diplomatic tool to convey the bloc’s messages directly to Russia.