The European Union has dismissed Russia’s proposals for new negotiations on a European security architecture, stating that the current framework already exists.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking in Dublin on Friday, declared there is “nul besoin” (no need) to discuss the matter.
“Russia wants to talk about questions related to a European security architecture. We do not need to discuss it, it already exists,” Merz said to reporters, adding that Germany’s participation in talks on Ukraine is “de soi” (a given).
The EU’s unified stance comes amid diplomatic activity following visits to Moscow and Kyiv by American envoys, including Jared Kushner, who are attempting to broker a peace deal.
The Kremlin, however, remains skeptical of Europe’s role. Spokesman Dmitri Peskov said that Russia has not yet accepted European participation in the negotiations, saying it must first “understand their true intentions” before deciding on an “enlarged format” of talks.
EU Leaders Warn Against Russian “Traps”
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas cautioned European negotiators not to fall into “les pièges que la Russie nous tend” (the traps that Russia is setting for us).
“First of all, we need a ceasefire. If we start discussing Russia’s demands regarding the architecture of security, we will fall into the traps that Russia is setting to divert our attention from the absence of a ceasefire,” Kallas said in Dublin before a summit of the 27 EU leaders.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen echoed this sentiment, confirming that Europe will be at the negotiating table to “défendre” (defend) its interests and “soutenir” (support) Ukraine. “I think it goes without saying that Europe participates in peace talks to protect our interests, but also to support Ukraine,” she said.
Cyberattack on Quantum Systems Affects German Military Drones
Valérie Urbain, the director-general of Euroclear, stated there is still “aucune solution miracle” (no miracle solution) for the approximately 185 billion euros in frozen Russian central bank assets held by the clearinghouse. The assets, immobilized after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, are a point of contention among EU member states, with Belgium opposing plans to use them to support Ukraine.
Diplomatic Path Forward
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled his willingness to discuss measures of truces and de-escalation in the next round of talks, but whether Russia will engage on these terms is not yet known.