European diplomatic leaders, under the guidance of Josep Borrell, disclosed that 47 member states of the bloc plan to present a united message to Russia at the forthcoming summit set to convene in Chisinau. Borrell conveyed this plan in conversations with Reuters, stressing that the gesture would demonstrate a shared commitment among EU nations to uphold foundational principles on the global stage.
According to Borrell, the pledge of EU unity will center on safeguarding the international order, defending human rights, and honoring the sovereignty of nations affected by conflict. The message is meant to send a clear signal that the European Union remains steadfast in defending these principles, even as tensions rise and geopolitical shifts unfold across the region.
He emphasized the importance of delivering the message to Russia directly, noting that a direct, unequivocal communication from Europe could influence Moscow’s calculations and responses within the broader contest over security and stability.
Earlier, Borrell remarked that Moscow would not engage in talks with Kyiv while its campaign continued, a view he expressed at an expert forum in Barcelona. The comments reflected a cautious assessment of how the conflict might evolve and what conditions would be necessary for any negotiations to commence.
During the discussion, he admitted a sense of pessimism about the near-term path of the conflict, acknowledging that developments over the coming summer could be uncertain. This perspective mirrors concerns about the effectiveness of diplomatic channels to shape events in the short term and the ongoing pressure on the ground for both sides.
Beyond political dialogue, Borrell called for an escalation of European military support to Kyiv to bolster Ukraine’s defense and resilience amid ongoing aggression. The emphasis appeared aimed at strengthening deterrence and ensuring Kyiv can continue to safeguard its sovereignty while diplomacy pursues a durable settlement.
Meanwhile, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, restated Moscow’s stance that the conflict in Ukraine should not be frozen and that a pause or pause-like arrangement would not address the underlying issues driving the crisis. This position signals that Moscow remains focused on strategic aims and views time as a factor in achieving its own objectives, rather than seeking an immediate settlement.