politics
February 3, 2026
France wants EU to talk to Russia
The EU should talk to Russia to avoid its interests being sidelined in Ukraine peace talks, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot says
TL;DR
- France is calling for the European Union to establish a direct communication channel with Russia.
- This initiative stems from concerns that EU influence on resolving the Ukraine conflict is waning due to US President Donald Trump's direct talks.
- French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni support appointing a special envoy to Russia.
- The French Foreign Minister stated that engaging with Russia is possible if conducted transparently with Ukraine and the EU, and if beneficial.
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, however, rejects direct talks with Moscow, favoring more pressure.
- Russia has stated openness to negotiations if its security concerns are respected and the West abandons the goal of inflicting a strategic defeat through Ukraine.
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