The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has dismissed the idea of appointing a special envoy to facilitate negotiations with Russia, asserting that the EU will not act as a neutral mediator between Moscow and Kyiv. Borrell emphasized that the EU’s stance firmly supports Ukraine and its security interests.
“It is absolutely clear: Europe will never be a neutral intermediary between Russia and Ukraine because we stand with Ukraine,” Borrell stated. He added that the EU cannot treat both parties equally, given its ongoing support for Ukraine since the conflict began.
During a recent meeting in Cyprus, Borrell highlighted the need for active EU involvement to balance the negotiation process and secure concessions from Russia. He noted that while the United States has focused its attention on the war in Iran, this does not mean the EU should replace Washington in the peace process.
“Our efforts should complement American initiatives, not substitute them,” Borrell explained.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who attended the meeting, urged the EU to prioritize “specific and realistic steps”. He pointed to the demilitarization of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the establishment of humanitarian corridors as critical actions.
“We should not start by choosing a person or group to lead the process. First, we need to define the mandate, which should represent a unified voice of Europe,” Sybiha remarked.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also commented on the negotiations, suggesting that the peace process might resume soon. “The U.S. is prepared to do everything possible to help end this war, and we hope that opportunity arises,” he stated.
During the discussions in Cyprus, the topic of appointing a special EU envoy for direct negotiations with Russia took a back seat. Potential candidates for the role had previously included Finnish President Alexander Stubb, European Council President António Costa, former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Borrell reiterated that the EU must focus on establishing a common position regarding the concessions to demand from Russia and define “red lines”. These include non-recognition of territories occupied by Russia, cessation of sabotage, cyberattacks, election interference, violations of airspace, payment of reparations, return of abducted Ukrainian children, release of journalists, and withdrawal of Russian troops from Georgia and Moldova.
The EU's foreign policy chief has firmly rejected the appointment of a special envoy for negotiations with Russia, reaffirming the bloc's unwavering support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine's foreign minister called for concrete actions from the EU to enhance the negotiation process and secure critical humanitarian measures.