EU Sees ‘Potential’ for Talks with Putin, Costa Says

European Council President António Costa said the EU sees “potential” for future talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Kyiv’s support. The remarks come as frustration grows in Europe over stalled US-led peace efforts. However, Costa noted there is still no sign that Moscow is ready to engage in serious negotiations. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied The president of the European Council Antonio Costa speaks at a press conference during the EU Summit at the EU headquarters in Brussels, on March 19, 2026.(Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google European Council President António Costa said on Friday, May 8, that the European Union sees “potential” for future negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to a report by the Financial Times , Costa said the bloc is preparing for possible talks and has the support of President Volodymyr Zelensky. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “Yes, it’s a potential [to negotiate with Putin],” Costa said. “[But] for the time being, nobody has seen any sign from Russia that they want effectively to engage in serious negotiations.” Costa said he is consulting with leaders of all 27 EU member states to determine how the bloc could organize itself for potential talks with Russia. “I’m talking with the 27 national leaders to see the best way to organize ourselves and to identify what we need effectively to discuss with Russia,” he said. He added that Zelensky had encouraged the EU to be ready to contribute to future negotiations. The comments come amid growing concern in European capitals that US-led negotiations have made little progress , raising fears that the EU could be sidelined in any potential deal. Despite this, Costa said the EU would avoid interfering with the process led by US President Donald Trump. Costa stressed that there is currently no indication that Russia is willing to engage with the EU. “There is no signal from Russia that they want to engage in serious negotiations,” he said. Other Topics of Interest Inside the Jails Where Russia Breaks Ukraine Prisoners ‘Like Dogs’ A report based on testimonies from former prisoners, Russian guards and NGOs alleges widespread torture of Ukrainian POWs and civilians in Russian detention since 2022. Detainees describe beatings, sexual violence, starvation and psychological abuse, with at least 143 deaths reported. Evidence suggests a systematic, state-tolerated effort to break prisoners and conceal abuses. To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter Contact Us Please leave your suggestions or corrections here Cancel Send Kyiv Post Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.