EU Considers Mediators for Ukraine-Russia Talks After US Steps Back

Ukraine's foreign minister stated that Kyiv wants to introduce new dynamics into talks with Russia and suggested more active participation by the European side. The EU is reviewing possible candidates for an envoy role following the US decision to step back from mediation efforts. An informal meeting of European foreign ministers in Cyprus this week will discuss the issue.

Stubb said he would probably accept a mediation task if offered, but only after Russia agrees to a ceasefire. Russia's president said any EU appointee must not have made negative statements about Moscow. The EU's foreign policy chief rejected one suggested name, saying the individual would be sitting on both sides of the table.

Some EU countries favor maintaining pressure on Russia through sanctions, while others argue it is time to open limited contacts. The foreign policy chief circulated discussion points in March aimed at forming a joint EU position before any outreach.

Ukraine has conducted strikes on Russian oil facilities and described them as long-range sanctions. Ukrainian officials say there are no current signals that Russia wants to end the war.