French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that the European Union cannot serve as a mediator in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, stressing that the EU's support for Kyiv renders it a biased party rather than a neutral entity capable of leading mediation efforts.
Macron's remarks came during a press conference following European Council meetings, where he clarified that EU nations have provided political, economic, and military support to Ukraine, and have imposed a series of sanctions on Russia since the war erupted, making the notion of a European mediation role unrealistic.
The French President noted that the European Union will continue supporting Ukraine in facing current challenges, affirming that European commitments towards Kyiv remain steady across all levels.
In the same context, European Council President Antonio Costa revealed that the EU is exploring the possibility of establishing diplomatic communication channels with Moscow to exchange views and monitor political developments. However, he emphasized that this move does not imply a desire to mediate between the parties.
Costa explained that consultations are ongoing among member state leaders on how to manage the relationship with Russia moving forward, and preparing for any potential dialogue when conditions allow.
These statements align with the Russian stance expressed by President Vladimir Putin earlier, who considered that the European Union lacks the necessary neutrality conditions to act as a mediator due to its ongoing support for Ukraine and extensive sanctions on Moscow.
These mutual positions highlight the persistent political gap between Russia and the European Union, as international efforts continue to seek pathways that could pave the way for a political settlement to end the longstanding conflict.