{"id":1955680,"date":"2026-05-26T12:10:37","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T09:10:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1955680"},"modified":"2026-05-26T12:10:37","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T09:10:37","slug":"direct-talks-with-russia-would-make-eu-a-neutral-mediator-estonia-warns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1955680","title":{"rendered":"Direct talks with Russia would make EU a &#8216;neutral mediator&#8217;, Estonia warns"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/26\/84\/1200x675_cmsv2_69e90048-10ff-5d0e-bdc0-cf14443b18fe-9772684.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2896687-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2896687\" data-cid=\"9773045\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896687-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/30\/45\/189x106_cmsv2_830d0748-b0d5-5d9a-b184-31545c2cdadd-9773045.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Internet in Iran\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran&#8217;s internet flickers back on despite judicial halt, reports claim\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896736-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2896736\" data-cid=\"9773052\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896736-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/30\/52\/189x106_cmsv2_3efd5514-7818-5177-9900-ca73545f1178-9773052.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Options trader Brian Garvey works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, 22 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Markets<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oil steadies at $100 and markets stay volatile as US-Iran talks stall\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896645-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2896645\" data-cid=\"9772533\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896645-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/25\/33\/189x106_cmsv2_ea9c00cb-fb12-5794-b054-73f9563d9c4e-9772533.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Muette - Boris Charmatz\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Art<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Suffering in silence: Brussels arts festival tackles childhood trauma\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896679-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2896679\" data-cid=\"9773082\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896679-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/30\/82\/189x106_cmsv2_fe137983-105a-582e-ae46-1455392cd60e-9773082.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Police use water cannon to disperse supporters of the CHP during a rally in Izmir, 26 May, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Turkey<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Police fire tear gas to break up Turkey opposition rally in Izmir\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896687-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2896687\" data-cid=\"9773045\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896687-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/30\/45\/189x106_cmsv2_830d0748-b0d5-5d9a-b184-31545c2cdadd-9773045.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Internet in Iran\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran&#8217;s internet flickers back on despite judicial halt, reports claim\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896736-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2896736\" data-cid=\"9773052\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896736-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/30\/52\/189x106_cmsv2_3efd5514-7818-5177-9900-ca73545f1178-9773052.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Options trader Brian Garvey works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, 22 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Markets<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oil steadies at $100 and markets stay volatile as US-Iran talks stall\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896645-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2896645\" data-cid=\"9772533\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896645-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/25\/33\/189x106_cmsv2_ea9c00cb-fb12-5794-b054-73f9563d9c4e-9772533.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Muette - Boris Charmatz\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Art<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Suffering in silence: Brussels arts festival tackles childhood trauma\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896679-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2896679\" data-cid=\"9773082\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896679-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/30\/82\/189x106_cmsv2_fe137983-105a-582e-ae46-1455392cd60e-9773082.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Police use water cannon to disperse supporters of the CHP during a rally in Izmir, 26 May, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Turkey<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Police fire tear gas to break up Turkey opposition rally in Izmir\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Direct talks with Russia would make EU a &#8216;neutral mediator&#8217;, Estonia warns<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/26\/84\/1536x864_cmsv2_69e90048-10ff-5d0e-bdc0-cf14443b18fe-9772684.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Margus Tsahkna, Estonia&apos;s foreign minister.\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Margus Tsahkna, Estonia&#8217;s foreign minister.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Virginia Mayo\/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved.<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Virginia Mayo\/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved.\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspJorge Liboreiro\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1779797437\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-05-26 14:10:37 +02:00\">26\/05\/2026 &#8211; 14:10 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"15:33\">15:33<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-partage-commentaire-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"partage-commentaire-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"twitter\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"flipboard\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Flipboard<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"flipboard\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"send\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Send<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"send\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"reddit\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Reddit<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"reddit\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"linkedin\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Linkedin<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"linkedin\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"messenger\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Messenger<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"messenger\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        &#8220;This is not the right time to rush into any kind of talks&#8221; with Russia, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has said as debate over how to end the invasion of Ukraine continues.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>The question of whether the European Union should engage in direct talks with Russia to bring the war in Ukraine to an end continues to split member states, as Estonia warns that the diplomatic outreach would amount to becoming a &#8220;neutral mediator&#8221; expected to provide Moscow with sanctions relief and appease its maximalist demands.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Until now, the talks have been led by the US, which has cut all financial and military assistance to Ukraine and eased sanctions on Russian oil.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We know that Russia is desperately working to bring Europe into talks because Putin needs to win time, and his position is to put Europe in a neutral position as a mediator,&#8221; Margus Tsahkna, Estonia&#8217;s foreign minister, said on Tuesday morning in Brussels.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But we are not mediators, actually. We are supporting Ukraine, and we are talking not only about some territories in Ukraine, but we are also talking about the European security architecture.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Instead of (doing) that \u2013 to go and talk to Putin because he doesn&#8217;t want to negotiate anything, he&#8217;s just putting new demands on the table \u2013 we should focus on putting more pressure on Russia. So this is not the right time to rush into any kind of talks.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Tsahkna also condemned Putin for refusing to commit to a ceasefire, a long-standing request from Europeans, and instead continuing Russia&#8217;s heavy bombardment of Ukraine.<\/p>\n<p>Over the weekend, Russia launched a <strong>massive attack<\/strong> of drones and missiles against Ukrainian cities that destroyed residential buildings, supermarkets and energy facilities. The deadly assault included a hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We need to have strategic patience to put more pressure on Russia so that Putin (will) finally come into real negotiations,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<h2>Pros and cons<\/h2>\n<p>The Estonian warning comes as member states weigh <strong>the pros and cons<\/strong> of breaking the diplomatic isolation imposed upon Russia in 2022 and launching direct talks. <\/p>\n<p>With the White House firmly focused on the Middle East, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked EU countries to speak with &#8220;one common voice&#8221; and designate a point person who could represent the bloc&#8217;s interests vis-\u00e0-vis Moscow.<\/p>\n<p>The leaders of France, Italy, Austria and Belgium have openly embraced the idea. By contrast, those in Germany, Poland, the Baltics and the Nordics have expressed reservations and prefer to focus on squeezing <strong>the strained Russian economy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The buzz has seen certain big names floated as prospective special envoys, among them Finnish President Alexander Stubb, European Council President Ant\u00f3nio Costa, former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;There is no point now to talk about who will represent Europe because it probably will divide Europe more,&#8221; Tsahkna said.<\/p>\n<p>His Romanian counterpart, Oana \u021aoiu, was similarly sceptical.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;What we need to do now, before we talk about any names or envoys, is to make our work consistent in increasing the pressure in terms of sanctions and in terms of coordinating those sanctions whenever possible with the United States,&#8221; \u021aoiu told Euronews on the margins of Tuesday&#8217;s meeting.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking in Vilnius, Lithuania, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen cautioned that the circumstances were not conducive to direct talks.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Russia is showing, at this point, no willingness for peace. The bombardment of the past weekend speaks for itself. And this is despite Russia losing a huge number of its young men for no territorial gains. And its economy is increasingly suffering,&#8221; von der Leyen said, noting a new package of sanctions was already in the works.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;At this time, I don&#8217;t want to speculate about any names&#8221; for special envoy.<\/p>\n<p>The debate around direct talks will continue on Wednesday and Thursday among foreign affairs ministers during an informal gathering in Cyprus. The meeting will be chaired by High Representative Kaja Kallas, who has repeatedly said dialogue with Russia <strong>will be pointless<\/strong> as long as Putin retains his uncompromising stance.<\/p>\n<p>Putin insists that Ukraine give up the entire Donbas region and that Western allies recognise the occupied territories as legally Russian \u2013 two red lines for Kyiv.<\/p>\n<p><em>This article has been updated with von der Leyen&#8217;s remarks.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  High risks, pitfalls and snubs: EU envoy for Russia talks faces job from hell<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  &#8216;We need to make up our mind&#8217;: EU still split over direct talks with Russia<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  EU shouldn&#8217;t &#8216;humiliate&#8217; itself by seeking direct talks with Russia, warns Kallas<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Russia<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Ukraine<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Estonia<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  European Union<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2896661-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896661\" data-cid=\"9772683\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896661-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/26\/83\/320x180_cmsv2_6176cdec-916c-56a2-b1ac-94082746346e-9772683.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Rescue workers on the scene of a crash between a train and vehicle in Buggenhout, 26 May, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Four dead and two injured after train hits school bus in Belgium<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2896371-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896371\" data-cid=\"9771333\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896371-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/36\/99\/39\/320x180_cmsv2_fe344243-15ea-58d3-a2c2-195fdcb7b989-9369939.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE. A container is loaded onto a cargo ship at the Tianjin port in China, Aug. 2010\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Five sectors where the EU is critically dependent on Chinese imports<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2896668-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896668\" data-cid=\"9772738\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896668-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/27\/38\/320x180_cmsv2_fc3e7942-9f53-55d6-bf41-6caaa3b493cf-9772738.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Pope Leo XIV attends the presentation of his first encyclical, &quot;Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,&quot; at the Vatican. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Pope Leo vs AI: Tech arms race endangers humanity, Pontiff says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2896658-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896658\" data-cid=\"9772644\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896658-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/26\/44\/320x180_cmsv2_23233094-5c04-5faf-9efa-d7e2196dde64-9772644.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas speaks with the media as she arrives for a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the European Council building, Monday, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Viral posts distort Kaja Kallas\u2019 remarks on China and Russia<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2896651-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896651\" data-cid=\"9772577\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896651-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/25\/77\/320x180_cmsv2_897f3056-7b83-5710-bb69-b4f62f24c272-9772577.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The front of the new Ferrari Luce, in a press package photograph released by Ferrari S.p.A. Copyright 2026 - All rights reserved\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ferrari&#8217;s \u20ac550,000 electric car looks like a Nissan, says the internet<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2896341-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896341\" data-cid=\"9771287\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Father of abandoned French children found in Portugal breaks silence<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2896462-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896462\" data-cid=\"9771735\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Two suspected Ebola cases detected in Italy test negative<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2896428-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896428\" data-cid=\"9771560\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    These are the best countries to move to around the world<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2896521-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896521\" data-cid=\"9772124\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Jewels, watches and cash in golf bags seized in Zapatero case<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2895789-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2895789\" data-cid=\"9769066\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Where in Europe do households save most of their income?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896661-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896661\" data-cid=\"9772683\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896661-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/26\/83\/320x180_cmsv2_6176cdec-916c-56a2-b1ac-94082746346e-9772683.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Rescue workers on the scene of a crash between a train and vehicle in Buggenhout, 26 May, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Four dead and two injured after train hits school bus in Belgium<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896371-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896371\" data-cid=\"9771333\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896371-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/36\/99\/39\/320x180_cmsv2_fe344243-15ea-58d3-a2c2-195fdcb7b989-9369939.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE. A container is loaded onto a cargo ship at the Tianjin port in China, Aug. 2010\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Five sectors where the EU is critically dependent on Chinese imports<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896668-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896668\" data-cid=\"9772738\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896668-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/27\/38\/320x180_cmsv2_fc3e7942-9f53-55d6-bf41-6caaa3b493cf-9772738.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Pope Leo XIV attends the presentation of his first encyclical, &quot;Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,&quot; at the Vatican. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Pope Leo vs AI: Tech arms race endangers humanity, Pontiff says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896658-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896658\" data-cid=\"9772644\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896658-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/26\/44\/320x180_cmsv2_23233094-5c04-5faf-9efa-d7e2196dde64-9772644.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas speaks with the media as she arrives for a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the European Council building, Monday, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Viral posts distort Kaja Kallas\u2019 remarks on China and Russia<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896651-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896651\" data-cid=\"9772577\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896651-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/25\/77\/320x180_cmsv2_897f3056-7b83-5710-bb69-b4f62f24c272-9772577.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The front of the new Ferrari Luce, in a press package photograph released by Ferrari S.p.A. Copyright 2026 - All rights reserved\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ferrari&#8217;s \u20ac550,000 electric car looks like a Nissan, says the internet<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896341-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896341\" data-cid=\"9771287\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Father of abandoned French children found in Portugal breaks silence<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896462-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896462\" data-cid=\"9771735\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Two suspected Ebola cases detected in Italy test negative<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896428-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896428\" data-cid=\"9771560\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    These are the best countries to move to around the world<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896521-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896521\" data-cid=\"9772124\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Jewels, watches and cash in golf bags seized in Zapatero case<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2895789-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2895789\" data-cid=\"9769066\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Where in Europe do households save most of their income?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">The question of whether the European Union should engage in direct talks with Russia to bring the war in Ukraine to an end continues to split member states, as Estonia warns that the diplomatic outreach would amount to becoming a &#8220;neutral mediator&#8221; expected to provide Moscow with sanctions relief and appease its maximalist demands.Until now, the talks have been led by the US, which has cut all financial and military assistance to Ukraine and eased sanctions on Russian oil.&#8221;We know that Russia is desperately working to bring Europe into talks because Putin needs to win time, and his position is to put Europe in a neutral position as a mediator,&#8221; Margus Tsahkna, Estonia&#8217;s foreign minister, said on Tuesday morning in Brussels.&#8221;But we are not mediators, actually. We are supporting Ukraine, and we are talking not only about some territories in Ukraine, but we are also talking about the European security architecture.&#8221;&#8221;Instead of (doing) that \u2013 to go and talk to Putin because he doesn&#8217;t want to negotiate anything, he&#8217;s just putting new demands on the table \u2013 we should focus on putting more pressure on Russia. So this is not the right time to rush into any kind of talks.&#8221;Tsahkna also condemned Putin for refusing to commit to a ceasefire, a long-standing request from Europeans, and instead continuing Russia&#8217;s heavy bombardment of Ukraine.Over the weekend, Russia launched a massive attack of drones and missiles against Ukrainian cities that destroyed residential buildings, supermarkets and energy facilities. The deadly assault included a hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile.&#8221;We need to have strategic patience to put more pressure on Russia so that Putin (will) finally come into real negotiations,&#8221; he said.Pros and consThe Estonian warning comes as member states weigh the pros and cons of breaking the diplomatic isolation imposed upon Russia in 2022 and launching direct talks.With the White House firmly focused on the Middle East, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked EU countries to speak with &#8220;one common voice&#8221; and designate a point person who could represent the bloc&#8217;s interests vis-\u00e0-vis Moscow.The leaders of France, Italy, Austria and Belgium have openly embraced the idea. By contrast, those in Germany, Poland, the Baltics and the Nordics have expressed reservations and prefer to focus on squeezing the strained Russian economy.The buzz has seen certain big names floated as prospective special envoys, among them Finnish President Alexander Stubb, European Council President Ant\u00f3nio Costa, former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel.&#8221;There is no point now to talk about who will represent Europe because it probably will divide Europe more,&#8221; Tsahkna said.His Romanian counterpart, Oana \u021aoiu, was similarly sceptical.&#8221;What we need to do now, before we talk about any names or envoys, is to make our work consistent in increasing the pressure in terms of sanctions and in terms of coordinating those sanctions whenever possible with the United States,&#8221; \u021aoiu told Euronews on the margins of Tuesday&#8217;s meeting.Speaking in Vilnius, Lithuania, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen cautioned that the circumstances were not conducive to direct talks.&#8221;Russia is showing, at this point, no willingness for peace. The bombardment of the past weekend speaks for itself. And this is despite Russia losing a huge number of its young men for no territorial gains. And its economy is increasingly suffering,&#8221; von der Leyen said, noting a new package of sanctions was already in the works.&#8221;At this time, I don&#8217;t want to speculate about any names&#8221; for special envoy.The debate around direct talks will continue on Wednesday and Thursday among foreign affairs ministers during an informal gathering in Cyprus. The meeting will be chaired by High Representative Kaja Kallas, who has repeatedly said dialogue with Russia will be pointless as long as Putin retains his uncompromising stance.Putin insists that Ukraine give up the entire Donbas region and that Western allies recognise the occupied territories as legally Russian \u2013 two red lines for Kyiv.This article has been updated with von der Leyen&#8217;s remarks.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/05\/26\/direct-talks-with-russia-would-make-eu-a-neutral-mediator-estonia-warns&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/26\/84\/1200x675_cmsv2_69e90048-10ff-5d0e-bdc0-cf14443b18fe-9772684.jpg&#8221;] Iran Iran&#8217;s internet flickers back on despite judicial halt, reports claim Markets Oil steadies at $100 and markets stay volatile as US-Iran talks stall Art Suffering in silence: Brussels arts festival tackles childhood trauma Turkey Police fire tear gas to break up Turkey opposition rally in Izmir Iran Iran&#8217;s internet flickers back [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1955680","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1955680","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1955680"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1955680\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1955680"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1955680"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1955680"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}