Cyprus Times

EU Commission Leaves Door Open for Direct Talks with Putin

Published January 12, 2026, 18:07
EU Commission Leaves Door Open for Direct Talks with Putin

The European Commission has left the door open for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to achieve peace in Ukraine, but stressed that there is currently no indication that Putin is willing to engage in such discussions. Commission spokesperson Paula Pinio stated that peace depends solely on Putin and that the Commission wishes to see a meeting between those directly involved, namely Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin, but this has not been possible so far. Both France and Italy are pushing for direct EU negotiations with Russia, with French President Emmanuel Macron expressing hope to speak with Putin within the next few weeks and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni calling on the EU to speak to Russia with one voice. However, Putin himself has stated that he would only be open to talks if they were based on the situation on the ground. Putin accuses European countries of sabotaging US initiatives with “unrealistic demands.” He has also rejected Franco-British plans to send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine after the end of the war, plans signed last week by Paris, London and Kyiv. The Commission acknowledges the need for dialogue, but emphasizes that the initiative must come from Putin, who started the war and is responsible for restoring peace. The Commission remains committed to finding a peaceful solution, but reiterates that this depends on Putin's willingness to engage in meaningful talks.