EU Must Prepare For Future Russia Dialogue, But Not Now: EU Council Chief

BRUSSELS, March 17 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The European Union should be ready to engage with Russia in the future, but the timing is not right, Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, said on Tuesday, emphasising that the bloc’s current focus remains on supporting Ukraine and sustaining pressure on Moscow, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

In an interview with the European Newsroom, cited by Belga, Costa said any eventual dialogue with Russia must focus on European security and a just peace in Ukraine, rather than energy issues.

“For the time being, our main contribution is to increase economic pressure on Russia,” he said, adding that the EU will continue supporting Ukraine “with all available means.”

Costa also reiterated the EU’s commitment to reducing its dependence on Russian energy and confirmed that no energy-related negotiations with Moscow are underway.

His remarks followed comments over the weekend from Bart De Wever, Prime Minister of Belgium, who suggested Europe should eventually normalise relations with Russia while strengthening military capabilities and border defences.

De Wever faced criticism both domestically and internationally.

He defended his stance, saying normalisation could only occur after a peace agreement acceptable to Ukraine and the EU.

Costa also addressed tensions between Ukraine and Hungary over blocked EU financial assistance tied to the Druzhba pipeline. While emphasising the importance of restoring the pipeline, he condemned any intimidation of EU leaders and called for a swift resolution.

Ukraine halted deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline after a Jan 27 incident blamed on Russia. Hungary and Slovakia have accused Ukraine of intentionally blocking shipments to gain political leverage and have since suspended diesel fuel supplies to Ukraine in response.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU