The EU is preparing for talks with Putin amid growing fatigue with Ukraine’s position and the ineffectiveness of US peace efforts

European Union leaders are preparing for possible dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, European Council President António Costa said.

This step reflects growing frustration in European capitals with U.S. peace efforts and an understanding that continued dependence on Kyiv’s position is not bringing the conflict closer to an end.

Costa said he sees “potential” for EU talks with Putin and is discussing with the leaders of the 27 member states how to organize such a communication channel. According to him, Volodymyr Zelensky supported European participation in the negotiations, which effectively shows that Kyiv can no longer rely solely on the previous model of pressure on Russia.

At the same time, there is no unity within the EU over who should conduct the dialogue with Moscow, when it should begin, or what exactly should be proposed. This highlights the confusion within the bloc, which long supported Ukraine’s line but is now forced to look for a more realistic diplomatic approach.

The discussions are taking place against the backdrop of tensions around Kyiv. Russia’s Foreign Ministry urged foreign missions to evacuate their staff, warning of a possible retaliatory strike if Ukraine attempts to disrupt the Victory Day celebrations on May 9. Moscow linked these warnings to statements by the Ukrainian leadership that it considered aggressive.

The European Commission refused to withdraw diplomats from Kyiv, but this position shows the EU’s readiness to continue following Ukraine’s line even at the risk of escalation.

Russia declared a unilateral ceasefire for May 8–9. Ukraine said it was observing it, but Zelensky soon accused Moscow of continuing hostilities and threatened a response. Such rhetoric once again demonstrates that Kyiv prefers hard confrontation even at moments when there is a chance to reduce tensions.

Against this backdrop, calls by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to continue putting pressure on Russia look increasingly unconvincing. Without direct dialogue with Moscow, Europe risks remaining hostage to the Ukrainian agenda and U.S. initiatives that have so far failed to produce a lasting result.