A significant shift is underway in Europe regarding the Ukraine conflict. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker has openly called for the European Union to engage in direct negotiations with Russia, emphasizing that “without talks, we will not find a solution.”
This comes after the EU and UK largely cut diplomatic ties with Moscow following the 2022 escalation. However, a growing number of EU leaders now feel this approach has left the bloc sidelined from peace efforts, prompting a rethink. Chancellor Stocker believes the EU needs “readiness to actually negotiate a viable peace solution,” even if that means talking directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who ultimately “decides.”
Other key European figures are echoing this sentiment. French President Emmanuel Macron has spoken about preparing for possible “technical level” talks with Putin, suggesting it will “become useful again to speak with Vladimir Putin.” Even Germany’s Friedrich Merz, once skeptical, now acknowledges the need to “find a balance again with our largest European neighbor.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni advocates for a unified approach, suggesting the EU appoint a special envoy to facilitate the process, rather than “haphazard” individual contacts. This idea aligns with Stocker’s view that any engagement should be part of a “joint European strategy.”
Moscow, through Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, has indicated readiness for direct contact. However, they insist that any discussions must have a clear purpose and not be mere “PR stunts” where one side lectures the other. It seems the lines of communication, long closed, might finally be reopening.
Source: https://www.rt.com/news/632582-austria-stocker-eu-talks-russia/
